South Carolina Unveils AI Strategy to Enhance Government Services
The South Carolina Department of Administration has published the state’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. This marks a major step in integrating AI technologies into government operations. The strategy reflects extensive collaboration with information technology and security professionals across state agencies.
Built on the principles of Protect, Promote, and Pursue, the strategy guides agencies in using AI responsibly and productively. It grew out of the work of an AI Workgroup, which included representatives from diverse agencies. The group surveyed state offices and held information-gathering sessions. Their findings shaped a detailed plan to support AI adoption and governance across government.
Guiding Principles and Vision
The strategy lays out South Carolina’s vision for AI. It emphasizes protecting citizens’ rights and privacy, promoting adoption, and pursuing training and education. These principles aim to ensure that AI benefits both citizens and businesses while remaining ethical and effective.
To achieve this vision, the plan sets out long-term goals alongside near-term priorities. Together, these create a foundation for building AI capabilities that improve innovation and efficiency in state government.
Center of Excellence and Advisory Group
One of the first steps will be the creation of a Center of Excellence (COE) and an AI Advisory Group. Staffed by agency representatives, these bodies will help evaluate and implement AI projects. The COE will also provide leadership, best practices, and ongoing collaboration.
Governance and Ethical Use
The strategy highlights the need for strong AI governance. New policies and guidelines will ensure that AI is used responsibly. This governance framework will define oversight roles, assign responsibilities, and align AI projects with state values, ethics, and legal requirements.
Improving Government Services
South Carolina sees AI as a tool to improve services in accessibility, responsiveness, and efficiency. The strategy calls for identifying high-impact use cases and allocating resources accordingly. Moreover, it stresses the importance of pilot projects. These smaller projects will test feasibility before statewide scaling.
Collaboration with universities, industry, and other partners will further drive innovation and knowledge sharing.
Building AI Literacy
Another priority is building AI awareness and literacy among state employees. The strategy includes communication campaigns to secure buy-in and tailored training for different stakeholders. By improving understanding of risks, benefits, and business value, the state hopes to empower agencies to use AI effectively.
Ongoing education programs will play a central role. In addition, clear communication goals and stakeholder mapping will ensure consistent messaging across agencies.
Next Steps
The Department of Administration will now develop a roadmap to execute the statewide strategy. The Office of Technology and Information Services (OTIS) and the Division of Information Security (DIS) will lead the effort. Together, they will build the foundational capabilities needed to achieve the plan’s goals.
Need Help?
Also, if you’re wondering how Scout Carolina’s AI strategy, 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.
