Utah's Responsible AI Community Consortium on September 8, 2025, released its AI Leadership Blueprint, a practical, step-by-step guide developed specifically for organizations to adopt and manage artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly. The consortium is among the first state-level groups in the nation to publish a comprehensive, community-driven resource focused on preparing its workforce for the opportunities and challenges of AI.

“The blueprint is the result of deep work across our special interest groups, from workforce and education to infrastructure and policy,” said Penny Atkins, Ph.D., a founding member of the consortium and the director of research and science at the University of Utah’s Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, home of the One-U Responsible AI Initiative. “It’s been thoughtfully designed to meet organizations where they are—so responsible AI isn’t a theoretical goal, but a shared, actionable framework for Utah.”

Created by the consortium’s Workforce & Education Special Interest Group (SIG), the blueprint distills complex AI topics into accessible guidance on leadership, risk management, policy development, and workforce training—making responsible AI adoption achievable for organizations of all sizes across Utah.

“AI readiness isn’t about having the right tools—it’s about having the right judgment,” said Kevin Williams, CEO of Ascend AI Labs, co-leader of the Workforce SIG, and founding member of the consortium. “This blueprint gives Utah leaders a practical way to govern AI use before it becomes a liability.”

The blueprint reflects the consortium’s broader mission to unite Utah’s AI ecosystem in building technology that is effective, ethical, and inclusive. In parallel, the Infrastructure SIG is advancing scalable, transparent AI systems, mapping statewide infrastructure gaps, and hosting technical workshops throughout the year.

The blueprint also furthers broader state efforts to prepare an AI-ready workforce and position the state as a leader in AI. In March 2025, Utah leaders signed an agreement with accelerated computing and AI company NVIDIA to equip universities, community colleges and adult education programs with the resources to develop students’ and workers’ skills in generative AI.

"Utah organizations are grappling with new uncertainty around workforce planning as AI reshapes industries,” said Zachary Boyd, Ph.D., director at Utah's Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy and founding member of the consortium. “Leaders need to thoughtfully address how to build AI capabilities while supporting their employees through significant changes. I'm thankful to the Workforce SIG for preparing this blueprint, which contains a range of expert viewpoints and will help our state's organizations navigate these challenges in a responsible, structured way."

About the Responsible AI Community Consortium

The Responsible AI Community Consortium and its special interest groups bring together people from across academia, government, industry, and the greater community to promote the responsible development and use of AI. The University of Utah One-U Responsible AI Initiative at the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute launched and continues to support this effort. The consortium is an independent, volunteer-led cooperative committed to advancing AI literacy, workforce development, and ethical innovation in Utah and beyond.

Banner image: Co-author Kevin Williams announces the blueprint at the One-U Responsible AI Initiative Annual Symposium on September 12, 2025.