Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Jan. 5 creating the New Jersey Innovation Authority.

The act formally establishes the state’s Office of Innovation as a permanent authority within the Department of the Treasury. Additionally, Assembly Bill 5728/Senate Bill 4485 makes New Jersey the first state in the nation to codify a state innovation office into law.

The legislation builds on more than seven years of work by OOI. Created in 2018, the office is charged with modernizing government services using human-centered design, data science, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Under the new structure, NJIA will continue to help state agencies streamline operations, improve service delivery, and reduce costs for residents and businesses.

“With the permanent establishment of the New Jersey Innovation Authority, we are ensuring state government continues to deliver more efficient and effective services for New Jerseyans long after my time in office,” said Murphy. “From advancing responsible AI use to streamlining processes for residents, our Office of Innovation has made remarkable strides for our state since its establishment in 2018.”

Progress, so far

A 13-member board appointed by the governor will oversee the NJIA. The group will include ex-officio members and public appointees with expertise in technology, data and digital service delivery.

According to OOI’s most recent impact report, the office helped more than 65,000 entrepreneurs start businesses faster through Business.NJ.gov, generating an estimated $167 million in economic impact in 2024 alone. Other highlights include:

• Modernizing more than a dozen state call centers
• Enrolling 100,000 additional children in the Summer EBT food program through data-driven outreach
• Cutting unemployment insurance application times by more than three hours
• Increasing positive user feedback by 40%

“Now more than ever, we need a government that is efficient, effective, and equitable in its delivery of service to all New Jerseyans,” said New Jersey Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole. “This new structure stands up a model of what we know works: a data-driven, human-centered, and agile approach to improving the critical services that support our residents and grow our economy.”

Crafting a ‘user-centered’ government

Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio said the NJIA will deepen cross-agency collaboration and efficiency.

“With the partnership of this team, we will build on the strides we’ve already taken together to modernize call centers, to help New Jerseyans quickly start businesses, pay their taxes, and much more,” said Muoio.

Legislative sponsors also emphasized continuity and modernization.

“From helping millions of residents across the state access benefits and job training programs to improving digital tools that make it easier to find rental assistance, the Office of Innovation has shown what is possible when government embraces modern, data-driven approaches,” said Sen. Andrew Zwicker, D-16th District, a prime bill sponsor. “This legislation will establish the office as an authority and allow it to continue to flourish under future administrations.”

“New Jersey residents deserve a government that moves at the speed of their lives,” Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, D-29th District, a prime bill sponsor. “Establishing the authority will help us modernize outdated systems, streamline services, increase accessibility, and deliver a more responsive, user-centered government for everyone who calls the Garden State home.”

Business boosters

Business groups welcomed the new law.

“The establishment of a permanent New Jersey Innovation Authority is smart, forward-thinking policy that will help our state to lead in the innovation space through efficiencies, modernization of outdated systems and more accessibility for our residents and businesses,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association President and CEO Michele Siekerka. “The office can also remain nimble and proactive as it relates to emerging or updated technologies.”

Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey President and CEO Christina Renna said, “This law provides the structure and stability needed to sustain innovation that strengthens our economy, improves service delivery, and supports business of all sizes.”

TechUnited:NJ CEO Aaron Price said, “This legislation underscores the importance of innovation to New Jersey’s economy as technology continues to shape businesses across every industry.”

Murphy added, “I look forward to watching the New Jersey Innovation Authority develop new solutions to real-world problems, save our residents and businesses time and money, and further New Jersey’s reputation as a national leader in innovation.”

Creating continuity

Separately, and right on the heels of this bill signing, Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill announced she will retain Cole in the same leadership role in her administration.

“I am honored to have Dave Cole continue as our state’s Chief Innovation Officer,” said Sherrill. “He has been a true leader in this space in New Jersey, and his broad experience across the public and private sector will be invaluable as we work to build a stronger New Jersey economy and a state government that works smarter for you.

“I look forward to working with Dave as we modernize the way New Jerseyans access state government services and build a government that works for everyone. At a time when our state programs and economy are under attack from Washington, I’m delighted to have an experienced innovator like Dave on my team to help build a more affordable Garden State.” 

“I am honored to continue to serve as New Jersey’s Chief Innovation Officer under Gov.-elect Sherrill’s leadership,” said Cole. “Together, we will continue to harness innovation to bolster our state’s economy, take a state-of-the-art approach to modernizing how residents get services, cut through red tape, and improve government efficiency.

“We will continue to put New Jerseyans at the center of our work, engaging residents and businesses throughout our process to design and deploy solutions that deliver results.”