AI’s Potential in Wisconsin

Artificial intelligence could transform the future of work in Wisconsin, but state leaders aim to ensure that this technology expands in a manner that safeguards workers and addresses existing labor shortages.

Task Force Recommendations

A state task force, which includes officials from various sectors, recently concluded its work on this matter. Their final advisory action plan outlines policy suggestions regarding AI in K-12 and higher education, government, workforce development, and economic growth.

The recommendations focus on creating pathways for workers to acquire AI skills, enhancing competition among Wisconsin companies, and promoting ethical practices related to AI.

Expanding Digital Literacy

Gov. Tony Evers’ office indicates that the proposals include initiatives to boost digital literacy, develop flexible training programs, enhance government services, and encourage the adoption of AI in industries. These proposals may feature in Evers’ upcoming two-year state budget, with specific investments potentially included in individual agency funding requests.

The Impact of AI on Jobs

Somesh Jha, a computer science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, notes that while AI’s rapid development may lead to greater workplace efficiencies, it could also result in job losses in certain sectors, alongside the creation of new roles.

He commended the task force for addressing critical questions, such as, “What tasks can be performed more efficiently with AI, and what new positions might emerge from these advancements?”

Addressing Labor Shortages

Amy Pechacek, Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development and task force chair, highlighted that Wisconsin currently faces record-low unemployment rates, with more job openings than available workers. She pointed out that low birth rates since the post-World War II baby boom and insufficient net migration are contributing to the labor shortage.

“We want to harness AI’s potential to fill current workforce gaps,” she stated. “We simply do not have enough people to fill every job right now.”

Integrating AI in Education

The task force’s report advocates for enhancing digital literacy and incorporating AI across all academic disciplines in K-12 education. The state Department of Public Instruction recently issued guidance to assist educators in integrating AI into school environments, aiming to support districts in developing relevant curricula.

Pechacek emphasized the importance of equipping Wisconsin students with essential skills to thrive in the 21st-century job market. She stated, “We must instill foundational technology skills in K-12 education, ensuring that educators possess the necessary skills to teach these concepts to future workers.”

Higher Education Initiatives

In higher education, the report suggests investing in AI research, developing AI-focused curricula, and establishing programs to help current workers upgrade their skills.

Jha, who was not part of the task force, stressed that educational and research initiatives surrounding AI are vital for maintaining the state’s workforce competitiveness. He mentioned that some states, like Texas, have created computing clusters to explore AI applications.

“The state needs to allocate more resources to researchers, faculty, and companies,” he asserted. “Once the computing cluster is established, it can be opened to major corporations.”

Collaborative AI Initiatives

Pechacek highlighted a partnership between Microsoft and UW-Milwaukee to establish the nation’s first manufacturing-focused AI Co-Innovation Lab, marking progress in this direction.

Supporting Workers Affected by AI

The report outlines various workforce development recommendations aimed at equipping Wisconsinites with the skills needed to navigate the changes brought about by AI.

One initiative, the “Artificial Intelligence Layoff Aversion Program,” seeks to assist workers displaced by AI by helping them enhance their skill sets.

The report also identifies occupations most vulnerable to AI disruption, including bookkeeping, accounting, data entry, credit analysis, and insurance claims processing. However, it noted that Wisconsin’s ten most common jobs are generally less susceptible to AI-related disruption.

Navigating AI for Businesses

The report advocates for creating a “roadmap” to guide businesses in adopting AI technologies and suggests developing a program specifically tailored to support small businesses.

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