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Sen. McCormick says Pa. should be the 'tip of the spear' on AI technology development

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 5:26 GMT by Penn Live
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Pennsylvania Positions Itself at the Forefront of Artificial Intelligence Innovation

Senator Bob McCormick, a long‑time advocate for technology‑driven growth in Pennsylvania, made a bold call this week that the state should become the “tip of the spear” in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In a statement released after a floor debate in the state Senate, McCormick outlined a multi‑pronged strategy that would harness the state’s industrial heritage, research institutions, and business community to establish Pennsylvania as a national leader in AI research, deployment, and regulation.

A Vision for Economic Growth and Workforce Development

McCormick’s vision centers on positioning AI as a catalyst for economic expansion and job creation. “Pennsylvania has the industrial base, the talent, and the institutions needed to take AI from a theoretical concept to a practical, revenue‑generating reality,” he said. He pointed to the state’s leading universities—Penn State, the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon, and Lehigh University—highlighting their existing AI research centers and the talent pipeline that feeds into local tech firms.

To translate academic breakthroughs into industry products, McCormick proposes a $200 million AI Innovation Fund that would provide seed capital to startups and research spin‑offs. The fund would be administered in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. He also called for a new “AI Workforce Development Initiative” aimed at upskilling workers in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare—sectors where AI could drive productivity gains.

Regulatory Framework and Ethical Standards

Recognizing that rapid AI advancement can outpace existing laws, McCormick urged the Senate to adopt a comprehensive regulatory framework that balances innovation with public trust. “We must set standards for data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and liability,” he said. He cited the federal National AI Initiative Act of 2020, which mandates a coordinated research agenda, and urged the state to model its own “AI Governance Act” that would establish guidelines for the ethical use of AI in public services and private enterprises.

McCormick referenced a recent Pennsylvania law that requires city and county governments to publish AI procurement policies, noting that such transparency is essential for accountability. He also stressed the need for a state-level AI ethics board, composed of academics, industry leaders, and community representatives, to oversee the deployment of AI in critical areas such as policing and social services.

Partnerships with Private Industry

The senator emphasized the importance of public‑private collaboration. He cited a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania’s Machine Learning Laboratory and a local biotech firm that has successfully used AI to accelerate drug discovery. “These kinds of collaborations are the engine of real‑world impact,” McCormick said. He urged the Senate to streamline permitting processes for AI pilots in transportation, energy, and healthcare, thereby encouraging businesses to test and refine their solutions in a supportive regulatory environment.

McCormick also mentioned a recently announced joint venture between the state and a major aerospace company to develop AI‑powered predictive maintenance systems for aircraft. The initiative would create new jobs and position Pennsylvania as a critical node in the aerospace supply chain.

Federal Engagement and Funding

While the senator’s focus is state‑level, he acknowledged the need for federal support to keep Pennsylvania competitive. McCormick pointed to the U.S. Department of Energy’s AI in Energy Systems initiative and the Department of Defense’s AI Enterprise Initiative, arguing that Pennsylvania should actively seek inclusion in these federal programs. He suggested that the state could lobby for increased federal research grants and tax incentives for AI companies operating within its borders.

Community Feedback and Future Steps

The statement came after a series of town‑hall meetings where constituents voiced concerns about the digital divide and the potential for job displacement. McCormick promised to address these issues by proposing a “Digital Equity Fund” that would provide broadband access and digital literacy training in underserved communities. He also pledged to establish an advisory council comprising educators, employers, and community leaders to guide the implementation of AI projects and monitor their social impact.

In closing, McCormick declared, “If we put our minds to it, Pennsylvania can lead the nation in the responsible development of AI. We must invest in our people, protect our citizens, and create a framework that ensures our innovation benefits all Pennsylvanians.” The senator’s remarks signal a decisive shift toward prioritizing AI as a cornerstone of the state’s economic and social agenda, with the hope that Pennsylvania will emerge as a model for balanced, inclusive technological progress.