Several South Dakota stakeholders applauded a new roadmap for artificial intelligence (AI) recently released by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and his colleagues on the Bipartisan Senate AI Working Group.
The May 15 report, titled “Driving U.S. Innovation in Artificial Intelligence: A Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence Policy in the United States Senate,” summarizes the findings from the senators’ AI insight forums and highlights policy topics that they think merit bipartisan committee consideration.
“Ultimately, it is our hope this roadmap helps to inform consideration of bipartisan AI legislation, ensure the United States remains at the forefront of innovation in AI, and helps all Americans benefit from the opportunities created by AI,” said Sen. Rounds and his working group colleagues, U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN), in a summary of the roadmap.
According to Sen. Rounds’ staff, many of the report’s topics will impact life in his home state of South Dakota, including health care, journalism, education, agriculture, and the financial industry, among others.
José-Marie Griffiths, president of Dakota State University (DSU), said that by prioritizing collaboration, investment in research and development, and workforce training, the senator’s strategy will pave the way for a future in which AI drives innovation and upholds ethical standards.
“We applaud Sen. Mike Rounds for his pivotal role in shaping the bipartisan AI roadmap and leading South Dakota’s future as a technological innovation hub,” said Griffiths. “DSU is proud to be innovating in AI and educating the next generation of students. We stand ready to support these initiatives and work toward a future where AI benefits all.”
South Dakota Sen. Steve Kolbeck (R-2) and State Rep. Mike Weisgram (R-24), co-chairs of the South Dakota Legislature’s Summer AI Study, thanked Sen. Rounds for being on the forefront of this discussion and pursuing sensible AI federal policy.
“His ability, commitment, and willingness to work with this bipartisan group bodes well for its success,” the state lawmakers said in a joint statement.
Jim Rankin, president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, also commended Sen. Rounds and the Senate AI Working Group for its leadership in driving AI innovation.
“The forward-thinking efforts of this working group will unlock resources for groundbreaking discoveries and cultivate a workforce dedicated to leveraging this technology to enhance society in vital areas such as healthcare, national security, manufacturing, and communications,” said Rankin. “These efforts will position South Dakota as a leader in AI, driving progress and improving lives across the globe.”
Likewise, the South Dakota NewsMedia Association applauded Sen. Rounds and his colleagues for recognizing the importance of local journalism in their AI roadmap.
“While AI presents exciting opportunities and innovations in publishing, there also are potential threats to not only journalism but our democracy as well,” said Dave Bordewyk, executive director of the association. “This report provides direction for public policy considerations, and we are appreciative that local journalism is included.”
John Preheim, vice president of engineering, precision applied Technologies at CNH Industrial, lauded the Senate AI Working Group for moving forward “in a thoughtful way” on AI and its benefits to the agricultural and construction industries.
“At our Raven Innovation Center in Sioux Falls, we are researching and implementing ways for AI to help farmers and construction workers be more productive,” Preheim said. “We look forward to continuing to engage with members and the committees of jurisdiction as legislation is moved through regular order.”