Mel McGee shares that workers are ready for AI, but generic training fails to drive results. For the C-Suite and HR, the key is building a "human-first" talent strategy that prioritizes behavior change over access, replacing "Random Acts of AI" with structured, safe innovation and governed experimentation.

Srini Koushik argues that AI Fluency, not just literacy, is the only defense against systemic risk. By moving beyond "machine-speak" to a native understanding, leaders can use a 5-pillar framework to navigate "unknown unknowns" and re-architect competitive strategy.

Ohio is leveraging artificial intelligence to modernize state operations and cut bureaucratic red tape. The state is embracing innovation to deliver faster, more efficient results for businesses and voters, writes Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.

Historically, much of the venture capital used to fund Ohio-originated innovation has flowed from outside our borders, writes Jon Cross in an op-ed for OTN.

While CEOs invest in AI, employee anxiety creates friction. Shifting from a "Replacement" era to a "Reshuffle," Srini Koushik argues that AI unbundles skills from roles rather than making humans obsolete. Leaders must move beyond automation to integrate cognitive thinking partners.

The Ohio Chamber Foundation Data Center Study details the state's digital infrastructure boom, which has attracted over $40 billion in private investment. This growth is rebranding the former manufacturing/agriculture hub as the "Silicon Heartland," with Columbus emerging as a top-tier global hub.

Viewing AI as a mere optimization tool is the "horseless carriage" syndrome. Right Brain Labs CEO Srini Koushik argues the technology represents a civilizational shift in agency and details the urgent need for leaders to move beyond basic literacy toward true AI fluency.

Ohio’s economic stability, multibillion-dollar infrastructure investments, and a culture that values profit over hype are fueling tech leaders’ optimism. With strengths in quantum computing and a collaborative B2B environment, the state is built for durable, real-world innovation.

Ohio’s state agencies are future-proofing their digital architectures, taking a human-centered design approach to the digital experience for citizens and workers. And by embracing constant evolution and continuous innovation, the state can get the most out of these new systems while enhancing resident service delivery. 

Government tech modernization is critical as relying on legacy systems creates risk and expense. Investments in states like Ohio are yielding exponential ROI. Key areas for modernization include Cloud migration (for cost and security), consumer-grade digital services, ERP modernization, and crucial cybersecurity (like Ohio's AI-based fraud detection).

On Ohio Tech Day, organized by OhioX, communities across the state celebrated the role of technology in shaping Ohio’s future. The day is meant to highlight how students, schools, and businesses are building skills, careers, and opportunities in today’s fast-changing world. It is also a chance to showcase the next generation of innovators and remind everyone that Ohio’s future will be defined by technology.

In so many ways, the state of Ohio is leading the way in technology deployments that seamlessly deliver services to Ohioans: From automation tools that support Medicaid recipients or help eliminate red tape from business regulations to single-sign-on digital identity services like OHID and the InnovateOhio Platform, Ohio is driving digital modernization across state government.

The customer digital experience continues to improve at breathtaking speed, from how we order and return products with the tap on the phone screen, to instantaneous and secure access to our social and bank accounts, restaurant preferences, shopping recommendations and grocery deliveries. The private sector typically leads the way, and as a recent Deloitte survey found, that’s driving demand from customers and constituents to receive a similar level of service and experience from their government agencies. 

Advances in generative AI (GenAI) are coming at us quickly. Understanding how both the public and private sectors can utilize AI tools and GenAI models, can be confusing. Fortunately, those of us in Columbus in early February had the chance to hear my colleague Jillian Wanner give the keynote at the OhioX State of Tech Summit, where she focused on GenAI developments, challenges and strategies for implementation. 

Companies across many industries often qualify for the federal research and development (R&D) tax credit. However, claiming the R&D tax credit requires backing up your eligibility with the right documentation. Companies sometimes misunderstand what constitutes required documentation for the R&D tax credit.

What if your small business could save thousands of dollars annually in taxes—all thanks to work you’re already doing? The federal research and development (R&D) tax credit makes this possible for companies of all shapes and sizes. Each year the U.S. government provides billions of dollars to innovative businesses for developing and improving technologies, products, and processes.

As one of the country’s largest tax incentives, the federal research and development (R&D) tax credit was created and designed to encourage innovation and allow companies to receive money back for work that they’re already doing. Although many small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) are eligible for the federal R&D tax credit, they fail to claim due to a lack of awareness or common misconceptions.

Machine learning and AI have become integral to modern contact centers, often operating behind the scenes. Many people now prefer self-service options or chatbot support for routine inquiries, particularly those with busy lifestyles. Recent advancements in Generative AI provide government contact centers with new opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, equip workers with better resources, and ultimately improve overall customer service.

Sometimes it takes a few job and work changes or challenges –– and maybe a couple of decades –– for a vision to come full circle, writes Lori Fry of Deloitte. A recent project with the State of Ohio Lori helped lead enables residents to find tools and resources to further their education, enhance their skills, look for a new job, identify funding opportunities, and learn about services that are available to support their academic and career journey.

“Brand” is often misunderstood as a curb-appeal project for your company. Visuals are certainly part of it, but that misses the depth and value of what a great brand can do. Let’s take a look at three ideas that reframe branding.