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Panel urges AI training and 'AI-plus-humans' approach as investment reshapes local economy
Summary
Panelists said AI has driven large capital investment and will create productivity gains if paired with human skills; Ohio State described programs to make graduates AI-fluent and to provide low-cost training for businesses.
Panelists described two distinct economic effects from artificial intelligence: an initial surge in capital spending to build data centers and infrastructure, followed by potential productivity gains as firms integrate AI into operations.
Kathy Basjancic, chief economist at Nationwide Mutual, said the most pronounced recent impact of AI on growth came through capital expenditures and that investment accounted for a large share of last year's upside surprises. "A big part of that was because of AI investment and the build out," she said.
Aravind Chandrasekhar Khan emphasized an "AI plus humans" approach. "The future of all our work is not about AI slash humans. It's AI plus humans," he said, describing Ohio State initiatives to make students and regional workers "AI fluent," including low-cost short courses and pathway programs to help small businesses adopt AI tools.
Panelists cautioned about equity and skills gaps: training and workforce-development programs must be broad and accessible to prevent a deeper K-shaped divide. No municipal AI policy was proposed during the forum; the discussion focused on employer-led training, university partnerships and short-term courses to bridge skill gaps.
