JP Singh, Distinguished University Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, received funding for: “George Mason University Center for AI Innovation for Economic Competitiveness.” He is collaborating on the project with Co-Principal Investigator Amarda Shehu, Associate Vice President of Research, Institute for Digital Innovation, Professor, Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computing (CEC); Jesse Kirkpatrick, Research Associate Professor, Philosophy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Acting Director, Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy, Philosophy and Religious Studies; Terry Clower, Northern Virginia Chair in Local Government; Professor of Public Policy, Schar School of Policy and Government, Director, Center for Regional Analysis; and Naoru Koizumi, Professor of Public Policy; Associate Dean of Research and Grants, Schar School of Policy and Government.
JP Singh, Distinguished University Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, received funding for: “George Mason University Center for AI Innovation for Economic Competitiveness.” He is collaborating on the project with Co-Principal Investigator Amarda Shehu, Associate Vice President of Research, Institute for Digital Innovation, Professor, Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computing (CEC); Jesse Kirkpatrick, Research Associate Professor, Philosophy, College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Acting Director, Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy, Philosophy and Religious Studies; Terry Clower, Northern Virginia Chair in Local Government; Professor of Public Policy, Schar School of Policy and Government, Director, Center for Regional Analysis; and Naoru Koizumi, Professor of Public Policy; Associate Dean of Research and Grants, Schar School of Policy and Government.
In a groundbreaking move set to bolster the economic competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Virginia, George Mason has been awarded a $1 million grant to establish the nation’s first Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation for Economic Competitiveness (CAIIEC). This pioneering initiative aims to place Virginia at the forefront of artificial intelligence adoption among SMEs, which often fly under the radar in discussions dominated by federal and big-tech AI advancements. The $1 million grant was sponsored by U.S. senators from Virginia, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and is directed through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
With this funding, George Mason officials will establish the first-in-the-nation Center for AI Innovation for Economic Competitiveness.
In close collaboration with the business community and George Mason’s Innovation and Economic Development Office, the Center will: a) develop a For-Virginia AI Strategy; (b) track Virginia’s business AI adoption rate; (c) offer programs to small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) to understand, capitalize, and innovate on emerging and disruptive AI, such as ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies; and (d) expand the talent pipeline through employee training, reskilling and upskilling in AI technologies, with a particular focus on underserved communities.
The Center will accomplish the following outcomes:
1. Needs Assessment: Through surveys and focus groups, researchers will identify ready opportunities for deploying AI across small business value chains in data gathering, chatbot-assisted voice automation systems, logistics support, precision manufacturing, service delivery, customer support, and demand forecasting;
2. SME Toolkits and Training: Create and deploy toolkits and training workshop modules to develop business plans for adopting AI, including engineering and business aspects;
3. Evaluation: Deliver state-of-the-art evaluation of AI adoption business practices and effectiveness; and
4. Expand the Talent Pipeline: Develop modular employee training content to upskill and reskill the workforce in AI technologies, directly support SME talent acquisition, and build AI workforce capacity that focuses on equitable opportunity for all of Virginia.
Singh received $1,000,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration for this award. Funding began in Aug. 2024 and will end in late July 2027.
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George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.
