Innovation is a central part of Georgia’s economic development, with the state positioning itself as a growing hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies. The Georgia Center of Innovation, which operates under the Georgia Department of Economic Development, plays a key role in supporting businesses across various industries to adopt new technologies.
According to David Nuckolls, Executive Director at the Center of Innovation, “At the Georgia Center of Innovation, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, it’s our mission to work with businesses throughout the state to help them clear the path for innovation and find easier ways to embrace new technologies. Through our focus in many of the state’s strategic industries – aerospace and defense, agricultural technology, energy technology, information technology, logistics, and manufacturing – we’re able to understand the resources found within the state and then use our industry expertise to create meaningful connections that enable growth.”
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are among the most discussed disruptive technologies affecting sectors such as retail, health care, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management. “Perhaps one technology with broad industry implications discussed most is artificial intelligence and machine learning. From retail, health care, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, and many other industries, the growing presence of AI and machine learning will continue to provide opportunities for companies to innovate,” Nuckolls stated.
Georgia has established itself as a regional tech hub over more than a decade. Atlanta was recognized as the top tech hub by Business Facilities magazine in 2020. Initiatives like the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation aim to make technological advancement accessible statewide.
The rise began when Georgia Tech developed Tech Square in Atlanta—a center now hosting more than 30 corporate innovation centers from major firms such as Delta Air Lines and The Home Depot. Nearby universities including Georgia Tech itself as well as Emory University contribute talent pipelines essential for technological progress.
Nuckolls explained: “Georgia’s emergence as a Tech Hub began a little more than a decade ago when Georgia Tech made the first jump across the interstate to build what is now known as Tech Square. This unique place is home to more than 30 Corporate Innovation Centers including corporate titans like Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, AT&T, and Honeywell. Tech Square also provides access to top talent in the metro Atlanta area including schools like Georgia Tech… In addition to talent and corporate engagements… corporations including NCR, Anthem, and Norfolk Southern [have] also co-locate[d] in the same area.”
Other cities across Georgia—Savannah (home of one of America’s fastest-growing seaports), Augusta (with Army Cyber Command), Columbus (software innovation assets), Macon (growing research assets), Athens (the University of Georgia)—contribute distinct strengths that enhance statewide innovation capacity.
Several local companies have achieved valuations exceeding $1 billion recently—including Greenlight; SalesLoft; Calendly; Bakkt—demonstrating rapid growth within Atlanta’s tech sector.
Despite pandemic challenges during July-December 2020—when many economies slowed—the state set records with 16,000 new jobs created through project locations or expansions along with nearly $6 billion invested statewide.
Education initiatives also support future workforce needs. “This begins in the K-12 education system where the Georgia Department of Education has made a commitment to preparing students for 21st Century workplace careers by providing high quality education opportunities in STEAM Fields,” Nuckolls said.
Georgia colleges award over 2,400 IT bachelor’s degrees annually while partnerships between higher education institutions like HBCUs at Atlanta University Center receive investments from large firms such as Apple or Southern Company for projects like Propel Center—a facility designed specifically for HBCU students’ technical training.
Research activity remains strong too: “As an example,” Nuckolls noted,“the University of Georgia’s Innovation Gateway was recently named No. 1 again for number of products developed by industry partners based on UGA research discoveries.” The university has placed among top five nationally on this metric seven years running.
Attracting both startups and established firms seeking advanced solutions—particularly those utilizing AI—the state supports commercialization through resources such as Advanced Technology Development Center at Georgia Tech or interdisciplinary research via its Center for Machine Learning (housing over 190 faculty members).
“Major corporations continue to implement artificial intelligence into their operations… Through programs like [Advanced Technology Development Center], startup companies continue developing new artificial intelligence solutions that can be integrated in some … robust industries like aerospace… FinTech… logistics… manufacturing,” he said.
Nuckolls concluded: “Georgia is a state where technologies like artificial intelligence can be advanced. Through … strong tech hub[s], ample supply[s]of technology talent,and abundance[s]of resources … ensure company successes,the state will be a leader in advanced technologies for years.”
