Gov. Phil Murphy (D) has signed a bill sponsored by state Senators Angela McKnight (D-31) and Andrew Zwicker (D-16) establishing a New Jersey Innovation Authority.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“With the permanent establishment of the New Jersey Innovation Authority, we are ensuring state government continues to deliver more efficient and effective services for New Jerseyans long after my time in office,” Murphy said in a statement.
“From advancing responsible AI use to streamlining processes for residents, our Office of Innovation has made remarkable strides for our state since its establishment in 2018. I look forward to watching the New Jersey Innovation Authority develop new solutions to real-world problems, save our residents and businesses time and money, and further New Jersey’s reputation as a national leader in innovation.”
This makes New Jersey the first state in the nation to create a innovation office, which will be an agency within the state Department of the Treasury.
The New Jersey State Office of Innovation econd annual Impact Report, which highlighted achievements including:
• Helping over 65,000 entrepreneurs launch their businesses more quickly through Business.NJ.Gov, boosting the economy by an estimated $167 million in 2024 alone.
• Modernizing more than a dozen State call centers to help millions of residents get their questions answered in a timely manner, reducing wait times, and saving New Jersey millions of dollars in operational costs.
• Using data science to enroll 100,000 additional children in the Summer EBT Program that connects vulnerable students with nutritious food.
• Reducing the average time to apply for Unemployment Insurance by more than three hours using a redesigned online application process that resulted in a 40% increase in positive site feedback.
• Harnessing emerging technologies, including AI, to modernize State operations and deliver benefits and services more quickly and efficiently to New Jerseyans.
Under the NJIA, the Office of Innovation will continue to incorporate agile software development, human-centered design principles, and data-driven processes to improve service design and delivery.
In August 2018, Murphy created the cabinet-level position of chief innovation officer to lead the Office of Innovation. Beth Simone Noveck served as the state’s inaugural chief innovation officer until 2024 and was succeeded by Dave Cole.
“From helping millions of residents across the state access benefits and job training programs to improving digital tools that make it easier to find rental assistance, the Office of Innovation has shown what is possible when government embraces modern, data-driven approaches,” added Zwicker.
“This legislation will establish the office as an authority and allow it to continue to flourish under future administrations.”
The NJIA will consist of a 13-member board of directors appointed by the governor.
That will consist of ex-officio members and members of the public with knowledge and expertise in data science, public engagement, the development and implementation of digital technologies and digital product development, or the digital delivery of products, services, or benefits.
“The Office of Innovation has focused on developing tools to help our residents more easily connect with the services and programs they need,” noted McKnight.
“By establishing a permanent innovation authority, we will ensure that New Jersey remains committed to equity and efficiency in public service, meeting those in need wherever they are.”
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