Who Is Responsible AI Washington?
Mission
Responsible AI Washington is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting safe, transparent, accountable, and environmentally sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) practices. RAW focuses its efforts on stakeholder coordination, education and training, legal and policy advocacy, forums and workshops, and original research.
Our mission is to drive adoption, improve AI governance, and boost our economy by helping Washington organizations and governments integrate and develop responsible AI principles into their work. We identify ways to do this while still protecting Washington’s environment and resources, labor force, and resident wellbeing.
Vision
We work toward a state where “responsible” is not a differentiator but the norm in how AI is used. We believe that responsible AI (RAI) can be a shrewd business and governance strategy that boosts our economy and improves statewide wellbeing. We believe that RAI practices and values can ensure AI serves the needs of Washingtonians. We believe in the power of conversations and of sharing ideas to operationalize AI safely and responsibly. And we believe that environmental and labor impacts of AI are already being felt, and should be swiftly, thoughtfully, and ardently addressed.
To achieve these goals, Responsible AI Washington:
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Coordinates the efforts of the diverse individuals and groups across Washington doing responsible AI work;
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Trains government, business, non-profit, and community professionals in RAI practices and values;
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Informs the public, policymakers, and legislators on AI risks, impacts, and benefits;
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Convenes statewide responsible AI leaders to establish statewide policies, inform the community on emerging approaches and ideas, and share best practices and use cases;
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Advocates for responsible AI policies, legislation, and legal frameworks at the state and local levels;
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Conducts original research related to how RAI is being used, how it is impacting Washington, and new ways to think about what AI can help us do;
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Supports and provides resources to others conducting RAI research;
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Champions RAI to policymakers, organizations, and the public;
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Grows statewide, national, and international awareness and visibility of RAW, its activities, and its urgency.
Ryan Burns, PhD
President
RAW is the work of Dr. Ryan Burns, an internationally recognized leader in technology research, policy, and governance. He has over 20 years of experience partnering with communities, non-profits, and governments to generate actionable insights. He is a Global Ambassador of the Global Council of Responsible AI (US Chapter); Member of the United Nations University Global AI Network; Affiliate of the Institute for Responsible AI in Law & Society; Adjunct Professor at University of Washington Bothell; and Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
