This work dates back to January 2024, when Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order (EO) paving the way for future AI advances in the state, such as AI training for state employees and time-saving use cases.
The EO called for the establishment of the AI Subcabinet, which was charged with the task of developing and implementing an AI action plan for the state.
“The AI road map charts a course for the state of Maryland in 2025, helping it accelerate the pace of AI adoption while considering the unique assets, opportunities and risks present in Maryland,” DoIT Secretary Katie Savage, chair of the AI Subcabinet, said in a statement Tuesday.
At its core, the AI Roadmap aims to increase AI experimentation, iteration and adoption.
The document outlines a five-part strategy for the state to advance safe implementation of AI technologies. It also highlights 12 critical domains in which Maryland will target studies, such as improving state workforce productivity and establishing school system policies.
The five parts of the strategy are: 1) maturing AI governance with sector-specific governance frameworks adhering to the state’s AI principles; 2) strengthening data foundations to improve the reliability of generative AI outputs; 3) supporting state agencies in their experimentation with and adoption of AI technologies to advance scaled solutions; 4) training the state workforce to understand AI risks and opportunities for an improved “AI IQ”; 5) studying and unifying state approaches to AI in critical domains.
For the 12 critical domain studies — depending on their findings and context — Maryland has specific plans to create reports, recommendations, pilot initiatives and agency workstreams; and to enact policy changes as needed.
As previously identified in the governor’s EO, the six principles guiding any AI usage in Maryland are fairness and equity; innovation; privacy; safety, security and resiliency; validity and reliability; and transparency, accountability and explainability.
According to a statement from Senior Advisor for Responsible AI Nishant Shah, an AI Subcabinet member, “the AI Strategy and Study Roadmap will remain a living document,” evolving with the needs of constituents.
