Emerging Technologies State Staff Academy Grant

Purpose

The Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz) leads on the implementation of the California Jobs First initiative. The GO-Biz Innovation and Emerging Technologies Unit supports the advancement of emerging technologies sectors that are recognized under the California Economic Blueprint. The unit’s role includes fostering a greater understanding of emerging technology sectors among staff within relevant state entities.

Description

As GO-Biz engages with cross-agency partners to support these Bet Sectors, the office is proposing the development of an “Emerging Technologies Academy” for staff and appointees within California state entities. The purpose of this educational initiative is to support foundational understanding and policy fluency around emerging technologies, such as AI, quantum computing, robotics, and fusion energy, in a manner that is designed for State policy staff. The program aims to familiarize staff with policy implications, technological opportunities, and societal risks, and create a space for informed dialogue. The Staff Academy should be administered in partnership with experts from academic institutions and national labs, and may feature the following elements: interactive seminars, topical workshops, case studies, site visits to representative facilities, technology assessments, and additional components as needed. The overarching goal of this program is to develop basic policy literacy related to key Bet Sectors so that state agencies can better identify actions that can be taken to responsibly support emerging technology industries. This RFP outlines the initial structure and the responsibilities of the academy host.