OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA (KOKH) — Channel 8 is learning more about the future of Oklahoma’s use of artificial intelligence, or AI, and how you may see it woven into state agencies. We sat down with the state’s new Chief Artificial Intelligence and Technology Officer, Tai Phan, for his first television interview in his new role.
Phan has a lengthy history of working in the technology space. Prior to his appointment to this new role, he served as the Chief Technology Officer for OMES.
Oklahoma is now joining only a handful of other states in officially appointing someone to this role.
“I think strategically where this fits into the arc of our Oklahoma story is that this is really the bringing the vision of AI into reality,” Phan said.
Phan is now at the helm of navigating how Oklahoma will use AI.
In 2023, the Governor’s Task Force on Emerging Technologies came up with recommendations and an artificial intelligence strategy.
Channel 8 asked Phan if that strategy is still the framework guiding how the state plans to use AI.
“I think that framework is evolving. I think at that time it was a vision we’d had with themes that was projecting where we might be,” Phan told Channel 8. “Think of it in terms of art of the possible. As we’re laying these into an operating plan, we’re now looking at what is the art of the real?”
In a statement in early 2024, Governor Kevin Stitt said Oklahoma could be the AI capitol of the nation. He added, “…In Oklahoma, 21% of the workforce is employed by federal, state, or local governments, while the ideal percentage would be closer to 13%. Artificial intelligence creates possibilities for more efficient employment and government services.”
Channel 8 asked if the state is still looking to cut state jobs with AI to help fill private sector jobs, which was detailed as a possibility in the 2023 strategy.
“It’s a great question, and it’s something that I think is being asked across the board. At this point in time, we don’t have any plans for a reduction in force with AI,” Phan said.
Phan said two main things are being focused on when it comes to AI and the workforce.
“From a workforce standpoint, it’s really providing amplification in extended agency. What that means is how can AI be used to make their day-to-day better, more efficient so that they can get more done,” he said. “…I think the second piece here is responsible adoption and understanding what our limitations are. Data is a big predictor of how successful we’ll be with AI and where we will go with AI. So I think we need to make sure that that foundation is built so that we can really scale out for the future.”
However, AI might be integrated, Phan said, there is always the idea of “human in the loop.”
“We’re dealing with public safety, we’re dealing with critical system that runs the government. AI is an assistant and a tool, but it’s up to people to make a decision, and it’s really people serving people at the end of the day, not AI serving people,” Phan said.
With the next legislative session just around the corner, Channel 8 asked if Phan is working with lawmakers to craft legislation regarding AI. He said the door is always open to discuss policy, and he looks forward to building relationships with agency leaders and policymakers.
