‘Curiosity’ about AI’s impact abounds in Alaska state government

Like many other states, Alaska is experimenting with generative artificial intelligence to improve operations. State Chief Information Officer Bill Smith says that work is drawing a little uncertainty and curiosity from staff, but that generally the response to the state’s AI work has been positive. “I wouldn’t really say we’ve got resistance. There’s some uncertainty and really just some curiosity about what does this mean,” he says in a video interview with StateScoop. Smith says it will become more clear what AI means for the state government as the technology advances and the technology department continues its testing.

This video was recorded on Oct. 1, 2024, at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers annual conference in New Orleans.