North Carolina launches AI Leadership Council to guide state tech adoption

Governor Josh Stein has signed a new executive order establishing North Carolina’s AI Leadership Council, designed to guide the state’s responsible adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. The initiative positions North Carolina to harness AI’s potential while implementing safeguards against security risks and ensuring ethical deployment across state operations.

What you should know: The executive order creates a formal governance structure for AI implementation across North Carolina’s government agencies.

• The AI Leadership Council will serve as the primary advisory body for artificial intelligence strategy and policy development within the state.
• The council’s mandate focuses on balancing AI adoption with risk management, ensuring the state can leverage AI benefits while maintaining safety and security standards.

Why this matters: North Carolina joins a growing number of states establishing formal AI governance frameworks as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into government operations and public services.

• State governments are grappling with how to responsibly implement AI tools for everything from administrative efficiency to citizen services.
• The executive order reflects growing recognition that AI deployment requires structured oversight and strategic planning rather than ad hoc adoption.

The big picture: This move aligns North Carolina with national trends toward formalized AI governance as states seek to balance innovation with responsible implementation.

• The Leadership Council structure suggests a comprehensive approach to AI policy that extends beyond individual agency decisions.
• By establishing clear governance protocols now, North Carolina aims to avoid potential pitfalls that could arise from uncoordinated AI adoption across different government departments.