On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Rowan University will host a pivotal conference on artificial intelligence (AI), titled “Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for New Jersey Government, Business, and Education.” The event, spearheaded by the Sweeney Center for Public Policy, is set to bring together an impressive lineup of policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to discuss AI’s transformative potential and its implications for New Jersey.
Running from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Rowan University’s Business Hall, this free conference invites attendees to explore the pressing challenges and exciting opportunities presented by AI. Registration and breakfast will open at 8:00 a.m., setting the stage for a day of engaging discourse and collaboration. A diverse panel of experts will offer insights into how AI is reshaping workforce development, government services, business innovation, and education.
Keynote Speakers and Thought Leaders
The conference features an impressive roster of speakers, including top state officials and distinguished academics:
- Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and co-chair of the state’s AI Task Force, will discuss New Jersey’s strategy for fostering an AI-driven economy.
- Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, will delve into AI’s impact on workforce policies.
- Dave Cole, New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer, will provide insights into technological innovation and its role in public service.
- Senator Andrew Zwicker, Ph.D., Chair of the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee, will bring his expertise as a physicist and policy leader to the discussion.
The conference’s keynote address will be delivered by Arvind Narayanan, Ph.D., a Princeton University professor and renowned author of AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference. His address promises to shed light on the capabilities and limitations of AI, offering attendees a balanced perspective on this rapidly evolving technology.
Other notable speakers include:
- Nidhal Bouaynaya, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Artificial Intelligence at Rowan University and Director of the Machine and Artificial Intelligence Virtual Reality Center (MAVRC).
- Marc Pfeiffer, Associate Director of Bloustein Local, Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University.
This conference aims to serve as a nexus for understanding the evolving landscape of AI. Attendees can expect discussions on:
- The ethical and societal implications of AI technologies.
- The competitive drive among states and universities to position themselves as hubs for AI research and innovation.
- The practical applications of AI in improving government services and reducing costs.
- The role of AI in workforce transformation and economic development.
Sweeney Center Director Mark Magyar emphasized AI’s potential to revolutionize the workforce, economy, and public services, while cautioning against overestimating its capabilities. Professor Bouaynaya highlighted the importance of exploring both the possibilities and limits of AI technology to make informed decisions.
The conference is a collaborative initiative, co-sponsored by the Sweeney Center for Public Policy, Rowan University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Machine and Artificial Intelligence Virtual Reality Center (MAVRC) within the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. With its multidisciplinary approach, the event underscores the need for collective efforts to harness AI’s potential responsibly and effectively.
Admission to the conference is free, and lunch will be provided for attendees. Interested participants can register online, with details available on the Sweeney Center’s Events page. For further inquiries, contact Mark Magyar at magyarm@rowan.edu.
