Task force finalizes "emerging technology readiness" definition, urges training and cross-sector partnerships

The Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access reviewed and refined its final theme, "emerging technology readiness," and agreed to add the qualifier "safely" to emphasize secure, responsible access to AI and other next-generation tools.

"Emerging technology readiness refers to how well communities are equipped to understand, safely access, adopt, and benefit from next generation technologies," Jessica said as she read and revised a working definition for the group.

Members recommended practical short-term actions that could move the state toward the definition. Suggestions included offering courses and training through public libraries and anchor institutions; leveraging university training and extension programs; partnering with aging and disability resource centers to reach older residents; and designing workforce-development pathways with the Department of Workforce Development, higher-education institutions and industry partners.

Bob Abrams raised funding as a constraint and suggested the task force consider allocating a portion of nondeployment funds from the state grant round to jump-start training and readiness work. Several participants also proposed creating a smaller, standing advisory group (convened by the PSC or broadband office) to sustain focus on emerging technologies after the task force sunsets.

Task force members debated next steps for schools and K-12 pilots, with one suggested vision being a statewide support network that helps Wisconsin schools lead in AI education; participants said that would require funding for piloting, staff capacity, and cross-sector coordination.

Next steps: staff will incorporate discussion edits and partners into the draft recommendations that will feed the June report.