Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed legislation establishing the New Jersey Innovation Authority (NJIA), making New Jersey the first state in the nation to codify its innovation office into a permanent government entity. The new law (A5728/S4485) transforms the existing Office of Innovation (OOI) into a formal Authority within the Department of the Treasury.
The move is designed to “enshrine” agile, human-centered technology as a permanent fixture of New Jersey’s government operations, ensuring that modernization efforts continue beyond the current administration.
Since its creation as a pilot office in 2018, the Office of Innovation has worked across nearly every state agency to streamline bureaucracy. By utilizing data science and human-centered design, the team has delivered measurable results that save both time and taxpayer money.
Recent achievements of the innovation team:
-
Economic Impact: Helped over 65,000 entrepreneurs launch businesses faster through Business.NJ.Gov, contributing an estimated $167 million to the state economy in 2024.
-
Operational Savings: Modernized 12+ state call centers, reducing wait times and cutting millions in operational costs.
-
Social Safety Net: Enrolled 100,000 additional children in the Summer EBT food program using advanced data science.
-
User Experience: Redesigned the Unemployment Insurance application, saving applicants an average of three hours per session.
The NJIA will be governed by a 13-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor. This board will include experts in data science, digital product development, and public engagement.
The Authority will be led day-to-day by the State’s Chief Innovation Officer, a role currently held by Dave Cole. Cole, a Rutgers graduate and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, succeeded inaugural CIO Beth Simone Noveck in 2024.
“This new structure stands up a model of what we know works: a data-driven, human-centered, and agile approach to improving critical services,” Cole said. “It allows us to grow without the threat of funding cuts under future administrations.”
A primary focus of the new Authority will be the responsible deployment of Generative AI. New Jersey recently launched the NJ AI Assistant, a custom tool now used by over 15,000 state workers to draft memos and navigate regulations at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives.
“New Jersey is once again showing leadership in state-level technology,” New Jersey Chief Technology Officer Christopher Rein said. “The NJIA will help agencies focus on making technology human-centered, effective, and efficient.”
The legislation received strong backing from the state’s business community, including TechUnited:NJ and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA).
“This law provides the structure and stability needed to sustain innovation that strengthens our economy,” Christina Renna, president of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey said. “It ensures New Jersey remains a place where ideas are not just born, but can thrive.”
