Beneficial Intelligence  

GAM’s mission is to be “visible, vocal and vital” – the three “V’s” as we like to say. Put another way, this means GAM is driven to be seen and heard advocating on the issues that matter most to its members. 

 

We hit all three V’s during a presentation we made October 23 to the Georgia Senate and House Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI). I was joined at the table by Scott Burkey who is a Technology Fellow at GAM member company, Smurfit Westrock, and Stephanie Scearce, GAM’s Vice President of Workforce Innovation. Scott is also the Vice Chair of GAM’s new Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Council.  

 

The Senate and House Committee was created for the purpose of studying AI. Through its study period (which concludes at year-end), the Committee aims to gather information about the best policies for our state concerning the development, procurement, implementation and utilization of AI. GAM was honored to be invited to present to the Committee.

 

The aim of our presentation was to position GAM as an expert resource on the application of AI for manufacturers; to separate “media hype” from the practical use cases of AI, and show its benefits.

 

The presentation promoted the shared views we have on the technology with the National Association of Manufacturers and, importantly, discussed its beneficial implications for our workforce.  

 

On this point, we also made clear to the Committee that the #1 thing Georgia could do to assist manufacturers with the adoption of AI would be to send us more “smart workers” -- people with the skills necessary to bring together the “physical and digital worlds” that enable and optimize AI in manufacturing.  

 

We closed our presentation with the following recommendations for the Committee to consider:  

• Support workforce upskilling: Legislators should prioritize initiatives that offer accelerated training programs, empowering the current and future workforce with the skills required to operate, maintain, and support AI-driven automated equipment. 

• Promote AI literacy: Focus on raising awareness and understanding of AI among lawmakers, businesses, and the public to avoid reactionary policies and foster a proactive approach to AI adoption. 

• Encourage data-driven decision-making: With media “hype” on AI making headlines, it is important that AI-related regulations are grounded in thorough research, data, and expert consultation to ensure informed, balanced decisions. 

• Harmonize policies: To the extent possible, lawmakers are encouraged to harmonize AI regulations with other states/countries to provide industry with uniformity and consistency and avoid a complex, costly “patchwork” of rules. This will support the global competitiveness of Georgia’s manufacturers. 

I mentioned in my remarks that GAM is on standby to serve the Committee during its study period and, more broadly, serve the General Assembly as it develops rulemaking on AI.  

 

We look forward to the opportunity to continue to be visible, vocal and vital on this important initiative.  

 

Interested in learning more about GAM's efforts on this issue? Join our Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Council.

Click here to find out how.