As the EY global responsible AI leader, I work alongside visionary leaders to shape a better future through AI.
For instance, our firm and the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County (CLAOC) recently established AI principles for the county I’m proud to call home.
Responding to a need, The EY Sentiment Index revealed an AI adoption gap: a space between how much people are willing to use AI and how much they do.
This gap is driven by the following: a lack of a clear AI strategy; a lack of trust in AI decisions; misalignment with daily needs; low understanding of capabilities; limited human oversight; data privacy concerns; and resistance to change or habit.
These challenges help explain why AI-native companies outperform traditional SaaS businesses by 12x revenue per employee, according to Forbes. Companies in OC are no exception, where leaders in every sector are exploring how to harness AI effectively and responsibly. Over the past five years, OC businesses have attracted more than $3 billion in AI-focused investment, a strong signal of our region’s momentum.
As we move beyond adoption of AI, the focus is shifting toward innovation that drives growth, and the talent that makes innovation possible.
These Orange County AI Principles are designed to help companies accomplish those goals.
• Ensures inclusive and equitable access to AI technologies, benefiting every sector and individual.
• Commits to responsible AI practices that foster public trust through privacy, transparency, and accountability.
• Prioritizes sustainable development, promoting long-term growth and resilience in the AI ecosystem.
• Builds AI literacy and prepares the workforce to meet future challenges and opportunities.
• Upholds ethical standards to drive meaningful outcomes that help society and enhance community well-being.
• Empowers businesses and residents to unlock AI’s full potential for growth and competitive innovation.
Kristina Horn, manager, Artificial Intelligence Initiative at CLAOC, said that establishing “shared OC AI principles is a milestone demonstrating the maturity of AI adoption here in OC.
Many OC organizations have already moved beyond experimentation to disrupt and transform business models and create significant value with AI. These principles will provide important guidance as we continue to grow OC into a thriving, premier AI talent hub.”
At EY, our commitment to shaping the future with confidence is deeply intertwined with our AI strategy. We foster AI literacy, addressing ethical considerations and ensuring that AI augments human potential—rather than replacing it.
That vision is brought to life by leaders like Mary Garrett, our office managing partner for EY Orange County. Her leadership is also a key reason for EY’s active engagement with CLAOC.
