Directs New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, Office of Information Technology, and New Jersey Big Data Alliance to develop advanced cyberinfrastructure strategic plan.
If enacted, A1962 will significantly impact state laws related to technology governance and economic development. By formalizing the creation of an advanced cyberinfrastructure plan, the state will invest in high-performance computing and advanced data analytics, setting standards for how information and technology are utilized across various sectors. Furthermore, the bill aims to facilitate public-private partnerships, thereby expanding collaborative opportunities for technological advancement and ensuring that New Jersey remains competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Assembly Bill A1962 directs the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, along with the Office of Information Technology and the New Jersey Big Data Alliance, to create an advanced cyberinfrastructure strategic plan for the state. The bill outlines a comprehensive approach to assessing the current cyberinfrastructure and identifying key improvements, including the establishment of a shared data cloud to enhance collaboration among academia, industry, and government. This strategic plan is expected to serve as a roadmap, promoting economic development through innovative uses of data and enhanced technological capabilities in the state.
Notably, the bill also emphasizes workforce development, aiming to ensure that there are skilled human resources to manage and operate the proposed technological advancements. This component has raised discussions regarding the balance between investment in technology and the availability of training and educational programs to equip state residents with necessary skills. Concerns have been expressed about the effectiveness of the proposed strategies and whether they will adequately address existing skill gaps in the workforce.
The bill includes specific goals such as identifying cybersecurity risk mitigation strategies and ensuring privacy controls are integrated within the state's cyberinfrastructure. This reflects a contemporary understanding of the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding not just state assets but also the privacy of its citizens. The strategic plan is required to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature within one year of the bill's enactment, marking a timeline for accountability and progress tracking.