Clemson Professor Guides Governments on Ethical AI Integration

Nathan McNeese, an associate vice president for technology and innovation at Clemson University, is significantly impacting how state and local governments across the United States integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their public services. He co-authored a report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which outlines strategies for responsible AI usage in governance.

The report, titled “Strategies for Integrating AI into State and Local Government Decision-Making,” aims to provide essential guidance for local and state governments on effectively identifying, planning, implementing, and maintaining AI systems. McNeese emphasized the urgency of this guidance, stating, “In 2025, almost everyone recognizes the importance of engaging with artificial intelligence. The benefits are well understood, but many organizations still struggle to take that first step.”

The findings of the report highlight the necessity of practical frameworks that assist governments in navigating the complexities of AI integration. McNeese stated, “Our goal was to offer clear, practical guidance—from identifying where AI can add value to implementation and ultimately, long-term maintenance.”

Key Areas of Focus for AI Implementation

During a recent webinar organized by the National Academies, McNeese discussed five critical areas for state and local governments to address when adopting AI technologies:

1. **Why to use AI and ensuring its responsible use**
2. **How to get started responsibly**
3. **Aligning design and development with purpose and use**
4. **Building organizational readiness**
5. **Managing implementation while maintaining public trust**

The National Academies has classified the report as a “rapid expert consultation” and termed it a “special time-critical report,” underscoring its relevance in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape.

McNeese advocates for a human-centered approach to AI adoption, stressing, “AI must work for people, and this requires understanding your organization before implementation. AI will fail for your organization if people are not first considered.” This perspective aims to ensure that technological advancements serve the needs of citizens effectively and ethically.

In addition to his role as co-author, McNeese holds multiple positions at Clemson University, including the title of McQueen Quattlebaum Endowed Professor of Human-Centered Computing and founding director of both the Clemson University Center for Human-AI Interaction, Collaboration, & Teaming and the TRACE Research Group. His leadership in these areas reflects a commitment to fostering responsible AI practices in both academic and governmental settings.

For those interested in exploring the report further, the National Academies provides access to the full document, a summary of McNeese’s presentation, and a recording of the webinar. This initiative marks a significant step in guiding governmental bodies toward effective AI integration, ensuring that technology enhances public service delivery while prioritizing ethical considerations.