Former New Jersey official argues AI could strengthen, not weaken, democratic institutions

New Jersey has been a leader in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) among both its residents and government employees, embracing AI for public benefits programs and instituting an employee training program for generative AI.
Beth Simone Noveck, New Jersey’s first chief innovation officer, played a significant role in the state’s AI initiatives and is now a Global Fellow with the Australian Resilient Democracy Network.
Noveck’s new book, “Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy,” focuses on the potential for AI to strengthen democratic institutions if used correctly, and the current conversation around AI is too polarized and lacks focus on practical applications.
Noveck emphasizes that AI can help address declining trust in government by improving public engagement, data processing, and decision-making, but it requires a national agenda for responsible use.
There is a need for more democratic control over AI, including greater public insight, collaboration, and open governance, to prevent the issues seen with social media, such as addiction and privacy concerns.
Government executives should prioritize universal training and learning to understand AI’s potential and how to incorporate it into daily tasks effectively, fostering a culture of conversation and problem-solving around AI use within their organizations.