Why it matters:

As AI reshapes Utah’s economy, the state faces growing pressure to prepare workers for change without leaving people behind. The focus has shifted from whether AI adoption will happen to how quickly people can build the skills needed to work alongside it.

The big picture:

Alice Schwarze, head of research at the Office for Artificial Intelligence Policy at the Utah Department of Commerce, says Utah holds a strong position as AI adoption accelerates. With the state ranking first nationally for projected tech employment growth, leaders see an opportunity to guide AI in ways that strengthen the workforce and protect people.

What they’re saying:

Schwarze points to Utah’s pro-human AI framework, which aims to pair economic growth with consumer protection and workforce readiness.

“AI is not all good and not all bad,” she said. “What matters is bringing different perspectives together early and finding balanced solutions.”

She also emphasized the lasting value of human skills like emotional intelligence, relationship-building, and domain expertise, especially as more routine tasks become automated.

What to expect:

Utah plans to engage employers earlier in the workforce transition process, gathering insight before disruptions appear in the data. The goal: design reskilling efforts that focus on durable, human-centered skills rather than reactive fixes.

The bottom line:

Schwarze says Utah’s AI strategy puts people first. By pairing early research, collaborative policy, and workforce preparation, the state aims to help residents adapt and stay competitive as AI reshapes work.