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The Unlocking AI for Public Good event brought together leaders from Â鶹´å, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and community organizations to explore how AI can strengthen public sector outcomes, broaden economic opportunity, and shape a responsible innovation ecosystem. Opening remarks from Â鶹´å Vice President for Research Theresa Mayer and Pennsylvania Secretary of Policy and Planning Akbar Hossain emphasized the Commonwealth’s historic moment. Major tech sector investments such as Amazon’s twenty billion dollar statewide commitment and deepening collaboration between Â鶹´å and state agencies are positioning Pennsylvania to lead nationally in responsible AI deployment. Speakers highlighted both the promise and risks of rapid technological adoption, noting examples from social services, transportation, healthcare, and education, and underscoring a shared commitment to ensuring that AI serves residents equitably and effectively.

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The event’s panels explored how AI is reshaping systems across sectors and identified practical strategies for ethical, effective deployment. In the State of the Technology panel, Â鶹´å faculty stressed that AI must be tailored to real world problems, supported by high quality data, and accompanied by clear procurement guidance and stakeholder engagement. Panelists discussed both opportunities such as using AI to improve early intervention systems in mental health and homelessness and challenges including business value gaps, implementation constraints, inequality in access, and the need for transparent benchmarks. A second panel on Public and Private Partnerships highlighted how AI is already transforming workforce development, transportation management, small business support, and city operations across Pennsylvania. Leaders from Team PA, Partner4Work, the AI Strike Team, and Lucas Lane Consulting emphasized that successful deployment requires proactive community engagement, network based governance, and a focus on supporting rural and underserved areas so that AI adoption does not widen existing divides.

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Together, these conversations underscored the event’s central message. Unlocking AI for public good requires coordinated leadership, intentional design, and strong partnerships across academia, government, industry, and communities.