A new report from New York State’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board (ETAB) outlines a comprehensive roadmap for making New York a national leader in responsible artificial intelligence (AI) development and workforce transformation.
The ETAB, established by Governor Kathy Hochul, brings together leaders from the private sector, nonprofits, and academia to address opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence. In its inaugural report, the Board sets forth a vision for New York to leverage AI responsibly while strengthening equity, innovation, and workforce resilience.
At the core of the recommendations are three ambitions: enabling all New York businesses to deploy AI at scale, democratizing AI literacy for 15 million residents by 2030, and ensuring every worker thrives amid the AI-driven transition.
The report highlights AI’s significant economic promise for New York, estimating that AI-driven productivity improvements could add up to $100 billion to the state’s economy. New York’s high-productivity industries—like finance, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing—are particularly well-positioned for AI adoption.
With investments already underway, including the $400 million Empire AI initiative, the state is capitalizing on its legacy of innovation. Projects such as Micron Technology’s semiconductor manufacturing investments and IBM’s quantum computing programs are laying a foundation for AI advancements.
However, the report notes that maintaining New York’s competitive edge will require targeted efforts to grow AI businesses, attract top talent, and democratize access to AI resources. Between 2018 and 2023, the state saw a 1.7% decline in its share of AI job postings—a worrying trend amid rising competition nationally.
AI’s impact on the workforce remains a focal point, particularly for underrepresented groups. The report acknowledges that low-wage workers are 4.2 times more likely to be affected by job displacement compared to high-wage earners, with women and Hispanic workers also disproportionately at risk.
To address this, the ETAB proposes targeted upskilling programs and apprenticeship opportunities. Specifically, the Board recommends creating 20,000 paid internships and apprenticeships in AI-related roles through partnerships with SUNY, CUNY, and private employers.
The Board’s ambitions include a bold plan to achieve AI literacy for 15 million New Yorkers by 2030. This effort involves integrating AI education into K–12 curricula, expanding public awareness campaigns, and equipping underserved communities with AI tools.
A proposed AI Education Playbook for schools would offer resources and training for teachers, while public awareness initiatives would highlight real-world AI use cases—ranging from job searches to small business solutions. The report stresses that understanding AI’s potential is key to overcoming public skepticism, as 50% of New Yorkers currently fear AI, citing concerns about transparency and misuse.
The ETAB emphasizes that AI adoption must be responsible and ethical. Building on New York’s existing policies, like the recent Senate Bill 1042A targeting AI-generated deepfakes, the report calls for governance structures that prioritize fairness, transparency, and sustainability.
Recommendations include developing a Responsible AI Playbook to help small businesses and nonprofits navigate AI adoption. The playbook would consolidate best practices, ethical guidelines, and accessible AI tools to ensure widespread, equitable adoption.
To achieve these ambitions, the ETAB underscores the need for robust public-private partnerships. Programs like Google’s AI Essentials and Pfizer’s digital talent initiatives demonstrate how collaboration can drive workforce development and innovation.
The ETAB’s report outlines a phased rollout of its nine key recommendations, with short-term actions focused on building AI literacy and strengthening public trust. Long-term goals include scaling up AI adoption across industries and creating pathways for displaced workers to transition into high-demand roles.
Need Help?
If you’re wondering how New York’s AI regulations, or any other AI regulations and laws around the world, could impact you and your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can answer your concerns and questions while offering valuable insight.
