COVERAGE: Office of Innovation Becomes the New Jersey Innovation Authority

On Jan. 5, Governor Phil Murphy signed a historic law establishing the New Jersey Innovation Authority. The NJIA codifies and builds on the previous efforts of the Office of Innovation, reflecting a permanent commitment to ensuring that New Jersey remains a leader in innovation and service delivery. The Philadelphia Inquirer and other publications covered the day’s news, which also included Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill’s announcement that Dave Cole will remain in the role of Chief Innovation Officer.

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COVERAGE: Chief AI Strategist and Chief Innovation Officer Discuss New Grant and AI Tools

In Reboot Democracy, New Jersey Chief AI Strategist Beth Simone Noveck interviews Dave Cole to discuss a new Public Benefit Innovation Fund grant that will help build out AI-enabled tools. This will include efforts surrounding data-matching, synthesizing public feedback, validating documents, and more.

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RESOURCE: Business.NJ.gov Team Shares Lessons Learned Over 5 Years

Past and present leaders of our Business Experience Team share the detailed story of how Business.NJ.gov started, succeeded, and continues to evolve in a two-part blog series that covers the importance of working closely with the business community, establishing strong agency partnerships, creating meaningful metrics, and more.

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RESOURCE: More Open Data Added to data.nj.gov

Hundreds more datasets from across State government have been added or linked to data.nj.gov. This open data boosts public transparency and allows everyone - from students to startups - to develop new ideas, such as those called for in the New Jersey AI Innovation Challenge, open through Jan. 19.

Open Data Center

Resources For NJ Government Employees

Upcoming Trainings

The State of New Jersey has partnered with InnovateUS – a non-partisan, non-profit collaborative of State governments committed to high-quality training for public sector professionals – to share these opportunities with the New Jersey government workforce. Register here for the below and other opportunities:

Effective Communication for the Public Good

Jan. 14, 2 PM

In this session, former Congressman Brian Baird joins Jill Abramson to discuss how public leaders and institutions can better inform, engage, and serve the public. Learn practical strategies for communicating complex issues with honesty, clarity, and respect, while also gaining insights to strengthen civic trust, counter misinformation, and advance the public good in your community and/or institution. 

Using GenAI to Improve Everyday Workflows for Public Professionals

Jan. 23, 2 PM

This workshop provides public professionals with GenAI methods and prompting techniques that streamline routine tasks, distill complex guidance, translate technical material, and organize data. Also, participants will learn how GenAI can function as a strategic thinking partner. 

Telling Public Stories with Data

Jan. 27, 2 PM

This session is for public professionals who develop, review, or share data-driven government communication and want to strengthen their ability to use visuals responsibly to inform and build trust. Learn best practices for designing clear, accurate, and compelling data stories, exploring how different types of framing can clarify or distort meaning depending on design choices and context. This will include a discussion of AI-assisted tools.

About the New Jersey Innovation Authority

Building on the accomplishments of the Office of Innovation, the New Jersey Innovation Authority improves the lives of New Jerseyans by designing and deploying more effective and efficient government services. NJIA works in partnership with the Governor’s Office and State agencies to create innovative policies and technologies that address complex public problems by working alongside New Jerseyans. We apply data science and public engagement to understand problems, and use modern digital technologies combined with strategic policies to develop solutions that improve services for the public, while also reducing costs for the State and taxpayers.