TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy has signed legislation establishing the New Jersey Innovation Authority, formally codifying the state’s Office of Innovation as an authority within the Department of the Treasury.
The bill, A5728/S4485, builds on more than seven years of work by the Office of Innovation, which was created in 2018 to modernize state services for residents, businesses and public institutions. New Jersey is the first state in the nation to permanently establish a state innovation office in law, officials said.
“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,” Murphy said. “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. 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.”
State officials said the Office of Innovation has become a national model and recently released its second annual impact report highlighting efforts that helped tens of thousands of entrepreneurs start businesses more quickly, modernized state call centers, expanded access to food benefits for children and reduced the time needed to apply for unemployment insurance.
The new authority will continue to use data-driven, human-centered and agile technology approaches to improve the design and delivery of government services, officials said.
“Now more than ever, we need a government that is efficient, effective, and equitable in its delivery of service to all New Jerseyans,” said 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. I thank Governor Murphy and the New Jersey State Legislature for their vision and leadership over the past seven years to establish and codify these innovation efforts.”
The authority will be overseen by a 13-member board of directors appointed by the governor. The board will include ex-officio members and public members with expertise in data science, public engagement and digital technology and service delivery.
“The Office of Innovation has become a national model for delivering better, more human-centered government – from modernizing critical services and reducing administrative burden to responsibly deploying AI tools that improve efficiency, access, and equity for New Jerseyans,” said Beth Simone Noveck, the state’s chief AI strategist and former chief innovation officer. “Its focus on real-world impact, interdisciplinary talent, and building alongside the public has helped position New Jersey as a leader in service delivery and responsible innovation. The creation of the Innovation Authority reflects a clear commitment to sustaining and scaling this work.”
State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio said the authority will help agencies further modernize operations and service delivery.
“The new NJIA will help agencies across New Jersey state government focus even more on how we can make technology human-centered, effective, and efficient,” Muoio said. “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.”
Lawmakers and business and technology leaders also praised the move, saying it will help ensure continuity and long-term investment in innovation across state government.
“This legislation underscores the importance of innovation to New Jersey’s economy as technology continues to shape businesses across every industry,” said TechUnited:NJ CEO Aaron Price. “TechUnited:NJ looks forward to partnering with the NJ Innovation Authority to support entrepreneurs and innovation, strengthen the existing community, and ensure New Jersey remains a place where ideas are not just born, but can thrive.”
