On August 12, 2024, the West Virginia Regional Technology Park hosted a thought-provoking AI panel, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the field, all with ties to West Virginia. The event, organized in partnership with the High Technology Foundation and Project Opportunity Move, offered a deep dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring both its immense potential and the significant challenges it presents.
The panel, moderated by West Virginia Delegate Daniel Linville, featured distinguished speakers: Amy Cyphert, associate professor at West Virginia University (WVU) with expertise in AI and ethics; Geoff Schaefer, chief AI ethics advisor at Booz Allen, and Jodie Penrod, Marshall University’s chief information officer. Their discussion highlighted the opportunities AI presents but also focused on the critical need for informed and adaptable industries and workforce in the face of this technological revolution.
Opportunities and Threats of AI
The panel addressed the dual nature of AI—its capacity to revolutionize industries while simultaneously posing significant risks. The discussion emphasized the ethical considerations surrounding AI, noting that while AI can lead to unprecedented efficiencies and innovation, like the transformative potential of AI in various sectors, like healthcare, it also raises concerns about privacy, bias, and accountability. Panelists’ insights showcased the importance of a balanced approach that prioritizes ethical AI development, ensuring “guardrails” are in place and that advancements do not come at the expense of societal values.
The Importance of an Informed and Trained Workforce
Panelists shared an understanding of the global impact AI would have on economic development and jobs but expanded their discussion on the new opportunities for employment in emerging fields. The discussion focused on educating, reskilling, and upskilling workers to ensure they are prepared to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Their perspectives highlighted the need for educational institutions and businesses to collaborate in creating training programs that align with the demands of the AI era.
The panel also addressed the role of higher education in fostering a new generation of AI-savvy professionals. The discussion noted the integration of AI processes and ethics into academic curricula, ensuring that students understand both the technical and moral dimensions of AI.
Policy and AI – How Does It Work?
Panelists outlined the complexities of AI regulation. Discussion led to how policy and regulation play a crucial role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI), acting as both a safeguard against its potential harms and a catalyst for its positive impacts. Panelists agreed that effective AI policies must strike a delicate balance between fostering innovation and ensuring ethical standards are upheld, by creating frameworks that mitigate improper uses of AI while also enabling the technology's beneficial applications.
Conclusion: Preparing for the AI Future
The AI panel at the West Virginia Regional Technology Park served as a crucial platform for discussing the future of AI and its impact on society. As AI continues to evolve, the importance of an informed and trained workforce cannot be overstated. Educational institutions, businesses, and policymakers must collaborate to ensure that society is prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities AI presents. The discussion at this panel is just the beginning of a broader conversation that will shape the future of work, education, and society in West Virginia’s AI era.
As we look to the future, it is clear that AI will be a driving force in our world, and it is up to all of us to ensure that its impact is both positive and transformative.
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