AI Isn’t the Same for Every Organization

This week I attended the EDC Lancaster County Annual Meeting. There was a lot of talk about AI data centers. What they'll mean for the region, where the growth is headed. New jobs created. Jobs at risk.

It was a great opportunity to talk to people outside of tech. I spoke with civil engineers, bankers, community leaders, IT vendors, the president of our local university.

I live in the startup world where AI is part of the workflow. We're motivated to move fast and provide innovative value to customers. The conversations reminded me that AI won't impact everyone the same way.

Companies and individuals that charge hourly rates aren't motivated to pay for AI tools that can double productivity and reduce billable hours.

Large organizations require structure and process. It can be difficult to innovate, especially when the best AI tools & techniques change frequently.

Many companies will be impacted indirectly. A landscaping company may not need to create their own innovative AI solutions, but their software vendors will be expected to innovate.

Lancaster has a diverse economy. Manufacturing, agriculture, tech, remote workers, local services. AI will touch each of them differently.

What do AI, data centers, and the grant and community funding that comes with them mean for our local community? And how can the technologists using AI daily help their local businesses and communities navigate what's coming?

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