Harnessing AI for Wisconsin’s Workforce: A Comprehensive Task Force Report

Executive Summary

In 2024, Wisconsin’s economic and employment landscapes faced a pivotal juncture, propelled by the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Recognizing this pivotal moment, Governor Evers convened the Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to chart a course for the state’s workforce in the face of this technological revolution. The task force, composed of industry leaders, educators, and policymakers, convened over several months, culminating in this comprehensive report, which presents their findings and recommendations.

Industry Landscape and AI’s Impact

The Industries, Occupations, and Skills subcommittee delved deep into the intricate relationship between AI and Wisconsin’s industries. Their analysis revealed three sectors poised for significant transformation: healthcare, government, and manufacturing. Within these sectors, software engineering, predictive analytics, and market research emerged as promising areas for AI-driven job growth. The subcommittee emphasized a crucial nuance: AI is more likely to augment jobs, enhancing human capabilities rather than displacing them entirely. This symbiotic relationship between AI and human workers holds the key to unlocking productivity and innovation.

Skills Development and Educational Imperatives

The Workforce Development and Educational Solutions subcommittee recognized the urgent need to equip Wisconsin’s workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in the AI era. Their recommendations centered on three pillars: access, curriculum, and training. Recognizing the foundational role of broadband connectivity in the digital age, the subcommittee called for expanded access to ensure all Wisconsinites have the infrastructure to engage with AI technologies. On the curriculum front, they advocated for mandatory computer science and data science courses for all college majors, fostering a generation of AI-literate graduates. Additionally, they proposed a micro-credential AI program spanning K-12 and higher education, providing individuals with stackable credentials to meet the evolving demands of the AI-driven economy. The subcommittee also emphasized the importance of digital literacy, cybersecurity, and AI training in K-12 education, laying the groundwork for future AI innovators.

Fostering a Supportive Ecosystem

The subcommittee on Ecosystem and Infrastructure Development recognized that a thriving AI ecosystem requires more than skilled workers; it also demands a supportive infrastructure. They called for partnerships between educational institutions and technology developers to create a standardized curriculum for AI education, ensuring a consistent and high-quality learning experience for all students. Recognizing the inevitable job displacement caused by AI adoption, the subcommittee advocated for transition assistance hubs to connect affected workers with new job opportunities, providing them with the support and resources needed to navigate this transition.

Recommendations:

The task force’s comprehensive recommendations provide a roadmap for Wisconsin to seize the opportunities presented by AI while mitigating its potential challenges. These recommendations encompass three key areas:

1.

Invest in AI Development:

– Provide tax credits and incentives to attract AI workers and companies to Wisconsin, creating a vibrant AI hub.
– Support industry incubators to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in AI, nurturing homegrown talent and driving economic growth.

2.

Enhance Skills and Education:

– Mandate computer science and data science courses for all college majors, ensuring a workforce fluent in the language of AI.
– Establish a micro-credential AI program for K-12 and higher education, providing individuals with the flexibility to acquire AI skills at their own pace and level.
– Invest in AI innovation and resource centers, creating spaces where researchers, educators, and industry experts can collaborate and drive AI advancements.
– Mandate digital literacy, cybersecurity, and AI training in K-12 education, preparing students for the AI-driven world from an early age.

3.

Create a Supportive Ecosystem:

– Facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and technology developers to create a standardized AI curriculum, ensuring a consistent and high-quality learning experience for all students.
– Establish transition assistance hubs to help workers displaced by AI find new job opportunities, providing them with the support and resources needed to navigate this transition.

Conclusion

The Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence has provided Wisconsin with a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the transformative era of AI. This report serves as a clarion call for action, urging the state to invest in AI development, enhance skills and education, and foster a supportive ecosystem. By embracing these recommendations, Wisconsin can position itself as a leader in AI innovation while ensuring a prosperous future for its workforce, where humans and AI work in harmony, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for economic growth and societal progress.