Wake County can lead the AI revolution :: WRAL.com

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no
longer a futuristic concept; it’s rapidly changing our world, and Wake County
is in a prime position to be a national leader in this technological
transformation. With its exceptional educational institutions, a dynamic tech
sector and proactive leadership, Wake County has all the ingredients to
harness the power of AI to improve government services, drive economic growth,
and enhance the quality of life for all its residents. The rapid adoption of AI
tools like ChatGPT, which reached 100 million users in just two months,
underscores the urgency for Wake County to embrace this technology and seize
the opportunities it presents.

Wake County AI playbook

Current state of AI in Wake County

Wake County is already taking
significant steps towards AI adoption. North Carolina State University’s
College of Education is leading the way in integrating AI into education,
equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to use AI effectively and ethically. The university also offers
valuable resources and guidance for using AI in various fields, including
communication and research. Wake Tech Community College is
actively involved in promoting AI education and awareness, hosting events like
the “Collective Conversation” to discuss AI’s impact on the workplace
and its potential to create a more equitable hiring environment.

In the healthcare sector, Atrium
Health Wake Forest Baptist has introduced an AI-based lung cancer prediction
tool, while Duke University Hospital has implemented Sepsis Watch to identify
the initial stages of sepsis.
These initiatives demonstrate the potential of AI to improve healthcare
outcomes and efficiency in Wake County.

While AI integration in North
Carolina businesses is currently moderate, with only 5.1% utilizing it, this is
expected to increase to 6.6% in the near future. Interestingly, businesses
utilizing AI report no significant changes in employment levels, suggesting
that AI is being used to augment human capabilities rather than replace jobs. Wake County is also piloting an
AI School Safety Program, using advanced technology to detect security threats
in schools.

How other communities are using AI to improve government services

Across the nation, local
governments are leveraging AI to enhance public services and improve
efficiency.

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants:

•     AI-powered chatbots are being used
to provide 24/7 assistance to citizens, answering questions and providing
information about government services.  In Morrisville, plans are being made for our
own chatbot, Morris, which will focus
on a more user-friendly customer experience with our new website and town services.

•     The US Army uses a virtual
assistant, SGT STAR, on their recruitment website to answer public queries and
guide visitors.

•     The Department of Homeland
Security uses EMMA, a virtual assistant, to provide information and guidance on
immigration services.

•     In Chicago, an AI-powered chatbot
engages with city bus riders who want to report problems and share ideas for
improvements.

Data analysis and decision-making:

•     The San Francisco Police
Department uses AI to detect public safety threats and uncover links between
seemingly unrelated incidents.

•     AI is being used to analyze large
datasets to identify trends and improve decision-making in areas such as public
safety, traffic management and resource allocation.

Specific examples from other states:

•     Ohio requires the Department of
Medicaid to pilot a program using automation and artificial intelligence to
provide program savings.

•     The Florida Legislature
appropriated funds to the Department of Health for the development of an AI
customer service solution.

•     West Virginia created a pilot
program to incorporate machine learning, AI or other advanced technologies to
assess state roads.

These examples illustrate the diverse ways AI can be used
to create more responsive, efficient and effective government services.

How other communities are using AI to drive economic growth

AI is not only transforming
government services but also driving economic growth in communities around the
world. AI can be applied across various sectors to optimize processes, improve
efficiency, and create new economic opportunities.

Global impact:

•     AI can help developing economies
diversify by identifying sectors with growth potential based on their
specialization in AI and existing industries.
For example, Mexico could strengthen its manufacturing sector by investing in
robot automation, while India could boost agricultural productivity through
AI-powered agricultural technology.

Sector-specific applications:

•     In manufacturing, AI is used for
predictive maintenance, optimizing logistics and improving supply chain
management.

•     In agriculture, AI can be used to
optimize farming practices, improve crop yields and support local farmers.

•     In emerging markets, AI can be
applied to various industries, including tourism, finance and healthcare, to
enhance customer experiences, improve service delivery, and increase access to
essential services.

These examples demonstrate the potential of AI to drive
economic growth and create new opportunities across various sectors.

Resources available in Wake County to support AI development

Wake County is fortunate to have a
wealth of resources that can support AI development and innovation.

Educational institutions:

•     North Carolina State University,
with its expertise in AI research and education, is a key player. The university’s Center for
Environmental and Agricultural Communication provides guidance on using AI in
marketing and communication.

•     Wake Forest University School of
Medicine has established the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research to
advance AI applications in healthcare.

•     The North Carolina Department of
Public Instruction offers AI resources and guidelines for educators, including
webinars and online materials.

•     Wake Tech Community College plays
a crucial role in workforce development, providing training and education in
AI-related fields.

Other resources:

•     The “AI County Compass”
toolkit from the National Association of Counties (NACo) provides valuable
resources and guidance for local governments navigating AI implementation.

These institutions, along with the thriving tech companies
in the Research Triangle Park, create a fertile ground for AI development in
Wake County.

Potential benefits of using AI in Wake County

The potential benefits of AI for
Wake County are numerous and far-reaching. AI can help the county:

By embracing AI, Wake County can
create a more efficient, responsive, and innovative government that better
serves its residents.

Potential
challenges of implementing AI in Wake County

While the potential benefits of AI
are significant, Wake County must also address the challenges associated with
its implementation:

•     Workforce
development:
Ensuring that the workforce has the skills and knowledge to work with AI is
crucial. This requires investment in
education and training programs, focusing on key factors such as executive
leadership, operations and data, technology, security, legality and risks, as
highlighted by Marlo Gaddis.

•     Data
privacy:
Protecting the privacy of residents’ data is paramount. The county must establish clear
guidelines and protocols for data collection, storage and use.

•     Ethical
considerations:
AI systems must be designed and used in a fair and unbiased manner. The county needs to address
potential biases in algorithms and ensure that AI is used responsibly.

•     Digital
equity:
Access to AI technology and education should be equitable for all residents,
regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.

•     Public
trust:
Building public trust in AI is essential.
The county needs to be transparent about how AI is being used and address
concerns about job displacement and potential misuse. Wake County Commissioner
Shinica Thomas emphasizes the county’s role in protecting citizens from
AI-related fraud, highlighting the need for responsible AI governance.

•     “Arrival
technology”:
AI is an “arrival technology,” meaning it doesn’t require adoption to
spread. This pervasive nature of AI necessitates proactive adaptation and a
focus on AI literacy to ensure that all residents can navigate an AI-driven
world.

By proactively addressing these challenges, Wake County
can ensure that AI is implemented in a way that benefits all residents.

Recommendations
for Wake County to become a leader in AI

To become a national leader in AI,
Wake County should consider the following recommendations:

•     Develop
a comprehensive AI strategy: This strategy should outline the county’s vision for AI,
identify priority areas for implementation, and address the challenges
discussed above.

•      Invest in AI education and
workforce development:
Partner with educational institutions like NC State University and Wake Tech
Community College, as well as tech companies in the Research Triangle Park, to
create training programs and initiatives that equip residents with AI skills.
This should include a focus on AI education in schools to prepare future
generations for an AI-driven workforce. 

One such opportunity for AI training is just around the
corner. On March 17 and 18, the
Carolina Theatre in Durham will host All Things Open AI, a premier event
exploring the latest advancements in artificial intelligence

This entry-level AI training designed by local AI
Community Leader and Triangle AI Godfather, 
Mark Hinkle, will empower you with practical skills and knowledge to
boost your productivity with AI tools like ChatGPT. Learn Advanced ChatGPT
skills, fundamentals of prompt engineering, AI agent design, and more to help
you work smarter, not harder with AI. 
Don’t miss out on this chance to dive deep into the world of AI and gain
a competitive edge. Also for a limited time tickets to the main conference are
discounted.  Register at

•     Promote
AI innovation and entrepreneurship: Support the development of an AI ecosystem by attracting
AI-intensive businesses, fostering startups, and providing resources for
research and development.

•     Establish
ethical guidelines for AI use: Develop clear policies and procedures to ensure that AI
is used responsibly, ethically, and in a way that protects residents’ privacy.

•     Engage
the community:
Foster public dialogue and engagement around AI to build trust, address
concerns, and ensure that AI is implemented in a way that benefits all
residents.

Wake County has a unique opportunity to leverage its
existing strengths in education and technology to become an AI leader. By
capitalizing on the expertise of its universities, the dynamism of its tech
sector, and the forward-thinking approach of its leaders, Wake County can
establish itself as a model for AI adoption and innovation.

Conclusion

Wake County has the potential to
be a national leader in AI. I encourage
the Wake County Board of Commissioners, elected officials, and business/tech
leaders to develop a Wake County AI playbook, a set of plays we can execute to
make the AI Revolution work for all of us.

Developing this Wake County AI
playbook is essential for ensuring that artificial intelligence is deployed
responsibly, ethically and effectively. As AI continues to transform
industries, local and state governments must establish clear guidelines for its
use, balancing innovation with privacy, security, and fairness. A
well-structured playbook will help policymakers, businesses, and communities
navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI while fostering economic growth
and public trust. An AI playbook is essential not only for responsible and
ethical deployment but also for preparing our workforce for the jobs of the
future.

As AI transforms industries, we
must ensure workers have the skills to adapt, whether through reskilling
programs, education initiatives or public-private partnerships. A
well-structured AI strategy will drive innovation, create new job
opportunities and help our economy remain competitive while ensuring that no
one is left behind in this technological shift.

By leveraging its strengths and
proactively addressing the challenges, the county can unlock the transformative
power of AI to improve government services, drive economic growth, and enhance
the quality of life for all its residents. However, it’s crucial to remember
that AI is a powerful tool that must be implemented responsibly. Wake County
must prioritize ethical considerations, data privacy and community engagement
to ensure that AI benefits all residents and contributes to a more equitable
and prosperous future.

The time to act is now, and with
careful planning and collaboration, Wake County can lead the way in the AI
revolution.

Steve S. Rao is a councilmember at large and former mayor pro tem for the Town of Morrisville and a regular contributor to WRAL Tech Wire.

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