A front-row seat to the evolution of Iowa’s technology landscape has certainly been a career highlight serving as president of the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI). During the last nine years in this role, I’ve witnessed companies navigate the newest technologies and ride the waves of tech disruption, including cybersecurity threats, data breaches, cloud migration, blockchain technology, remote work, and now: artificial intelligence.
Iowa is the number one state for technology and innovation in the Midwest. We are not Silicon Valley, nor do we pretend to be. Just as tech evolves, so does Iowa’s identity as we continue to compete globally in our bread-and-butter industries of agriculture and manufacturing, but also in the financial services, retail, and health care spaces. This is partly because our leading companies have invested heavily in technology (and the talent to make it happen) and implemented it into the fabric of their people, cultures and operations.
For generations, Iowa has led the way in creating technology solutions with the newest creative tools that exist for our society. So, as we navigate the ever-changing tech landscape here in Iowa today, a significant and transformative tool has arrived — artificial intelligence (AI). It’s been a popular topic of conversation with the emergence of language learning models such as ChatGPT. Yet, it seems daunting to fully understand its true capabilities, considering the mind-boggling level of use cases amid growing misperceptions. Make no mistake: AI is here to stay. We are entering an era where AI has the potential to be a catalyst for change in every corner of our great state, and we must embrace the opportunity.
How AI will impact how we work
The Technology Association of Iowa Board of Directors comprises executive technology leaders from virtually every industry in Iowa. The group recently met for an interactive workshop to listen, learn and discuss how AI impacts each of their businesses and how we can collectively work together to navigate a path forward.
As part of the workshop, board members completed a survey on AI’s impact within their respective industries. A resounding majority of companies plan on maturing their AI posture, moving from the experimental and research phase into implementation within the next 12 months. The group shared an array of real-world use cases, and we learned that AI is more than code and algorithms; it’s reshaping operational processes, customer experiences, and overall business strategies.
Envision an Iowa agricultural operation where AI-driven systems analyze historical data on weather patterns, soil conditions and crop growth. By recognizing recurring patterns, these systems can forecast the best planting times, irrigation needs, and even potential disease outbreaks.
Consider the impact of an Iowa manufacturing company implementing predictive maintenance and not slowing production by reacting to issues, ensuring smoother production processes, lower costs and increased overall efficiency.
Imagine a future for Iowa where access to quality health care through AI-powered telemedicine can reach historically underserved populations. This can change health care for the better by making sure that our most rural and vulnerable communities have timely, accurate and life-saving health care.
Risks of AI in Iowa
While the potential of AI is undeniable, its integration into our business communities is not without risks and concerns.
TAI’s Board of Directors also discussed the importance of handling AI tools with a keen awareness of the challenges we may face. A few key considerations include the impact on the workforce, confidentiality, and ethical implications.
AI’s efficiency could shift job roles, but also has the potential to create incredible opportunities. Purposeful reskilling and upskilling efforts will be critical to equip employees with the tools to harness AI’s potential rather than be left behind.
Privacy and security are concerns, considering AI’s power to process vast amounts of data. Safeguarding sensitive data from breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse is foundational. Finding a balance between utilizing data for innovation and ensuring individual privacy rights is an intricate task that requires robust data protection policies.
Establishing a regulatory policy with careful consideration will play an essential role in ensuring Iowa companies remain competitive on a global scale. Advocacy and awareness are crucial in educating stakeholders about the potential of AI and its implications. With our collective experience and insight, we can partner with policymakers by taking a collaborative, forward-thinking approach, enabling us to make well-informed decisions. This ultimately empowers Iowa businesses to embrace AI responsibly through safe and ethical practices to drive progress and build a better future for Iowa.
Brian Waller is the president of the Technology Association of Iowa.
