Panel: AI could raise productivity but benefits will take time; data centers raise energy questions

Panelists at the Columbus Metropolitan Club discussed artificial intelligence and data centers as potential drivers of productivity and economic growth — but said adoption is still early and managing energy demand will be essential.

Panelists said AI offers productivity gains that could raise output and wages over time, but adoption surveys show early stages: one Federal Reserve Bank survey cited at the forum found only a small share of companies reported AI adoption so far. Speakers said medium and small firms typically adopt new technologies more slowly than large firms.

Panelists also raised concerns about data‑center growth and energy capacity. A panelist noted that while data centers generate construction activity and economic investment, their power consumption requires planning on energy sources, grid capacity and whether communities will expand supply through conventional or low‑carbon options.

On workforce impacts, speakers said the changes are likely to be structural and require training and access to tools: employers and workers should plan for new skills, and public efforts should avoid repeating the broadband access gap by ensuring broad access to AI tools and training.

Ending: Panelists urged proactive local planning for energy and workforce training to capture AI gains while limiting uneven distribution of benefits; the forum did not produce policy commitments.