Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing various aspects of daily life, from how residents access public services to the methods by which students learn and employers hire. As the technology continues to evolve, its implications for public governance and community well-being have prompted discussions on maintaining trust and ethical standards.
On January 20, 2026, Senator Michael O. Moore will convene a cross-sector roundtable at the Massachusetts State House to address a critical question: How can innovation in artificial intelligence continue to flourish while ensuring that trust, transparency, and human judgment remain paramount?
The event aims to bring together leaders from various sectors, including government, business, civil liberties, and higher education, for a focused dialogue on the responsible integration of AI in everyday life across the Commonwealth. Senator Moore emphasized the importance of listening to those who build, use, and study these technologies. “This roundtable is about creating space for that dialogue, so innovation continues in ways the public can understand and trust,” he stated.
The urgency of this conversation is underscored by the evolving federal guidelines regarding artificial intelligence, which place increasing responsibility on states for practical implementation. Massachusetts has a historical commitment to pairing innovation with public purpose, positioning itself as a national leader in education, research, and technology-driven growth.
This roundtable is a reflection of that tradition, aiming to foster a shared understanding among diverse perspectives before positions become entrenched and policy pathways are established. The session is organized in partnership with Human Edge™, a collaborative initiative by Strategic Growth & Innovation, LLC, which connects leaders from higher education, industry, and civic sectors around the responsible adoption of AI.
As Shauna Conway, Founder of Human Edge and Strategic Growth & Innovation, noted, “Ethics and innovation are often framed as being in tension, but in practice they are deeply connected. When people understand how AI is used and why decisions are made, trust grows.” The aim of the roundtable is to explore how Massachusetts can maintain its leadership in AI while upholding integrity.
Participants in the event will represent a variety of sectors, each playing a vital role as AI becomes more embedded in societal functions. Among those expected to attend are:
- Elizabeth Mahoney, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, Massachusetts High Technology Council
- Gideon Epstein, Technology for Liberty Policy Counsel, ACLU of Massachusetts
- Yunus Telliel, Assistant Professor, Humanities and Arts Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Secretary Jason Snyder, Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, Commonwealth CIO
- Tepring Piquado, Chief Executive Officer, National Science Policy Network
The approach of the roundtable is designed not to push specific policy proposals but to facilitate dialogue focused on listening and learning. Key topics will include transparency in AI usage, the necessity of human oversight in high-impact decisions, accountability aligned with existing laws, and cross-sector collaboration aimed at sustaining public trust.
Conway will moderate the discussion, leveraging her two decades of experience in technology strategy and governance, including roles as Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer.
After the roundtable, a summary brief will be provided to participants and Senator Moore’s office, capturing key themes and insights to support ongoing dialogue and future considerations. The event is intended as a starting point, not a conclusion, as Massachusetts seeks to navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence through thoughtful discussion, principled experimentation, and shared accountability.
Human Edge is positioned as a crucial initiative for advancing responsible approaches to AI, uniting leaders across sectors dedicated to both innovation and ethical standards in technology. This roundtable represents a step forward in ensuring that as AI evolves, it does so with the public’s trust and well-being at its core.
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