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Governor Josh Stein Updates North Carolina on Progress in AI, Economy, Education, and Disaster Preparedness

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently hosted the first NC Strong Update, sharing the state's progress in key areas such as artificial intelligence, economic development, education, and disaster preparedness. The updates highlighted the state's commitment to leveraging AI for economic growth, enhancing public schools, and preparing for natural disasters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Stein signed an executive order establishing the Artificial Intelligence Accelerator and the North Carolina AI Leadership Council, chaired by Secretary of Information Technology Teena Piccione and Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley.
  • The AI Accelerator will serve as a hub for AI governance, research, development, partnership, and training within state government.
  • North Carolina aims to become a national leader in AI literacy, governance, and deployment, with a focus on enhancing government operations, driving economic growth, and improving citizens' lives.
  • The state's Strategic Economic Development Plan is currently seeking input from North Carolinians to chart a collaborative roadmap for the state's economic future.
  • Governor Stein and Commerce Secretary Lilley highlighted the state's strength in high-demand sectors like biotech and advanced manufacturing, with companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific and Genentech bringing over 500 new jobs to the Triangle.
  • North Carolina ranked as the Top State for Business by CNBC, citing its business-friendly environment and workforce.
  • The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) strategic plan, "Achieving Educational Excellence," aims to make North Carolina's public schools the best in the nation by 2030.
  • Governor Stein emphasized the importance of investing in public schools, with a focus on teacher pay raises, stronger schools, and putting students first.
  • September is designated as North Carolina Preparedness Month, with Governor Stein urging citizens to take steps to stay safe before natural and man-made disasters.

Statistics:

  • North Carolina has over 840 life science companies, employing over 225,000 people.
  • Since Governor Stein took office in January, the state has announced over $19 billion in new investments and more than 25,000 new, good-paying jobs.
  • The state's Strategic Economic Development Plan aims to drive economic growth, attract innovation, and prepare the workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.
  • North Carolina has been ranked as the Top State for Business by CNBC.
  • Governor Stein has delivered school supplies, visited innovative education programs, and welcomed students back to school in various parts of the state.
  • The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds have not been released by the federal government, hindering the state's ability to build resilient infrastructure and minimize damage from future disasters.

Sources:

  • Office of the Governor of North Carolina
  • CNBC (Top State for Business ranking)
  • North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) strategic plan, "Achieving Educational Excellence"
  • North Carolina Strategic Economic Development Plan
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific press release
  • Genentech press release
  • Governor Josh Stein's op-ed on disaster preparedness
  • Governor Josh Stein's media briefing on disaster preparedness

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