About this episode

Jeffrey Oakman discusses New Jersey's approach to building an ecosystem for artificial intelligence to drive economic opportunity.

Jeffrey Oakman is the Founding Director of the New Jersey AI Hub, an innovation center affiliated with Princeton University that accelerates artificial intelligence research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development for the state of New Jersey. Under his leadership, the AI Hub has brought together major partners such as Princeton University and Microsoft, launched a 6,500-square-foot coworking and event space, and initiated statewide programs including a registered apprenticeship in AI and machine learning. Jeffrey previously served as policy advisor to the Governor of New Jersey and has a background that includes working in the White House and earning an additional degree after his undergraduate years at Rice University. In this episode… AI is moving fast enough to make entire industries feel like they are trying to build the plane while flying it. So how can a state turn that uncertainty into real economic opportunity? For Jeffrey Oakman, the key lies in building the right ecosystem around AI, not just chasing the newest tool. Drawing from his experience in economic development, workforce policy, and innovation strategy, Jeffrey explains that New Jersey's approach is about…

People in this episode

Host: John Corcoran

Guest: Jeffrey Oakman

Topics covered

• artificial intelligence
• economic development
• workforce policy
• innovation strategy
• New Jersey

Keywords

• AI
• New Jersey
• innovation
• workforce development
• Princeton University
• Microsoft
• economic opportunity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New Jersey AI Hub, Princeton University, Microsoft, White House

Places: New Jersey, Rice University

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