Let’s Talk Business South Carolina: SC Tech
South Carolina’s technology sector is growing rapidly, and artificial intelligence is changing the game for businesses of every size.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Business, our host, Rick Jenkins, talks with Jamie DeMent, director of SC Tech at the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes), to explore the future of technology in South Carolina and what businesses, workers and educators need to be thinking about right now.
South Carolina’s tech cluster has an estimated $51.7 billion annual economic impact and supports more than 143,000 jobs statewide. But technology’s influence extends well beyond traditional tech companies. From manufacturing and healthcare to defense, logistics and professional services, virtually every industry is becoming increasingly dependent on technology…and now AI.
Jamie discusses how SC Tech is working to strengthen South Carolina’s technology ecosystem by supporting companies of all sizes, developing the talent pipeline from K-12 through higher education, conducting research and connecting businesses with the resources they need to grow.
We also take a closer look at artificial intelligence, the good, the bad and the ugly. Jamie explains why she believes every South Carolina business should begin exploring AI, even if leaders aren’t yet sure exactly how it fits into their organization.
In this episode:
- The economic impact of South Carolina’s technology sector
- Where South Carolina stands as a technology destination
- Building the state’s tech workforce and talent pipeline
- Preparing students for an increasingly AI-driven economy
- How AI is changing businesses and jobs
- The opportunities—and risks—surrounding artificial intelligence
- Why businesses should start experimenting with AI now
- The Palmetto AI Corridor and its role in accelerating AI adoption
- How programs such as AI in the AM and AI roundtables connect businesses with AI leaders
- SC Tech’s research, including the SCAN Asset Map and Cluster Impact studies
- What South Carolina needs to do to compete for technology companies, talent and investment
- What the next five years could look like for technology and AI in the Palmetto State
Guest: Jamie DeMent
Director of SC Tech, SC Competes
South Carolina Council on Competitiveness
The Industry Outlook is presented by Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd.
Watch the full interview here >> https://youtu.be/vbxUN1lLrkA?si=RElgn4zVZwyQaE16