South Dakota Stakeholders Respond to Rounds’ AI Roadmap
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and his bipartisan Senate AI Working Group recently released a roadmap for artificial intelligence. This report summarizes the findings from their AI insight forums and lays out policy topics that the group believes merit bipartisan committee consideration in the 118th Congress and beyond in order to solidify the United States as a leader in AI. Many of these topics will impact life in South Dakota, including health care, journalism, education, agriculture, the financial industry and more.
"As leaders in the realm of technological innovation and AI, we commend the bipartisan efforts of the Senate AI Working Group in presenting a comprehensive roadmap for AI policy,” said Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University. “By prioritizing collaboration, investment in research and development, and workforce training, this strategy will pave the way for a future in which AI not only drives innovation but also upholds ethical standards. We applaud Senator Mike Rounds for his pivotal role in shaping the bipartisan AI roadmap and leading South Dakota’s future as a technological innovation hub. 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."
“As co-chairs of our legislative summer study committee, we will begin with information defining artificial intelligence (AI), discussing the potential benefits, and hopefully exposing the possible risks to South Dakota residents,” said South Dakota Senator Steve Kolbeck and Representative Mike Weisgram, Co-Chairs of the South Dakota Legislature’s Summer AI Study. “AI is powerful technology, and its development and innovation is exciting, yet human control and oversight must be assured. We are thankful that Senator Rounds is on the forefront of this discussion and is pursuing sensible AI federal policy. His ability, commitment, and willingness to work with this bipartisan group bodes well for its success.”
“I commend Senator Rounds and the AI Working Group for their exemplary leadership in driving innovation in artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Jim Rankin, President of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. “South Dakota Mines has been at the forefront of AI education since the 1990s, recognizing its fundamental importance across all fields of science and engineering. 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. One notable example of AI innovation in South Dakota is the Tech Hub development in Rapid City, which focuses on AI technologies in the mining sector. This initiative is advancing autonomous equipment, ensuring safer work environments, and improving the extraction and processing of minerals into everyday manufacturing materials. Together, these efforts will position South Dakota as a leader in AI, driving progress and improving lives across the globe.”
“The South Dakota NewsMedia Association applauds Senator Rounds and his colleagues for recognizing the importance of local journalism in the comprehensive Artificial Intelligence report they released last week,” said Dave Bordewyk, Executive Director of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association. “While AI presents exciting opportunities and innovations in publishing, there also are potential threats to not only journalism but our democracy as well. This report provides direction for public policy considerations, and we are appreciative that local journalism is included.”
“We are happy to see the Senate is moving forward in a thoughtful way on artificial intelligence and its benefits to the agricultural and construction industries,” said John Preheim, VP, Engineering, Precision Applied Technologies at CNH Industrial. “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. We look forward to continuing to engage with Members and the Committees of jurisdiction as legislation is moved through regular order.”
Read the full report HERE. Read a one-page summary HERE.
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