Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the most important drivers of economic growth in the world. It is reshaping industries from health care and agriculture to finance and manufacturing. It is also central to intensifying global competition, particularly between the United States and China.
To stay out front in this competition, we must simply build the most advanced systems. China has made AI talent development a national priority, dramatically expanding its STEM pipeline and producing large numbers of engineers and technical graduates each year. Utah’s part of this equation is about educating and developing Utah’s graduates into an expanding workforce capable of designing, improving and responsibly deploying our AI tools and growing local industry.
The United States still leads in many areas of AI innovation, but maintaining that position will require sustained investment in our own workforce in Utah. Our critical role in preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers and skilled professionals begins in our K-12 schools.
AI tools are already helping teachers personalize instruction, identify learning gaps earlier and give students more tailored feedback. The Canyons School District has taken an unprecedented step with the procurement of the eBay campus in Draper, Utah — the “Innovation Center.” This campus will be a creative leap forward in developing pathways to careers in industry-leading AI projects and their implementation. When robustly utilized, these systems can strengthen foundational skills in math, science and critical thinking — the same skills that will support careers in engineering, data science, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. Expanding access to these tools in rural and underserved communities can help accelerate the preparation of more Utah students for high-demand fields.
As Utah works to move into higher levels of education, our major institutions are constantly positioning themselves to carry that momentum forward. The University of Utah and Brigham Young University are producing graduates in computer science, engineering and analytics, capitalizing on partnerships with the private sector to support transitions from research to real-world applications and marketable products. Securing these connections will help ensure that the innovation championed in our state also creates jobs that expand here.
AI-driven growth also extends beyond software development jobs. As investment expands, so does the demand for electricians, construction workers, HVAC technicians, network specialists and energy professionals. Data centers and digital infrastructure projects rely on a wide range of skilled trades, creating these much-needed pathways into well-paying careers that do not require a four-year degree.
With this growth comes increased demand for reliable electricity. Advanced computing facilities that require substantial, reliable power and that meet this demand responsibly will require our state to prioritize smart AI policies that support grid modernization and continued energy development.
The same workforce that drives AI innovation can also help address these infrastructure challenges. Engineers trained in data science and systems optimization are already using AI to improve energy forecasting, enhance grid reliability and increase efficiency across power networks. Technology developed for advanced computing is increasingly being applied to manage demand, integrate diverse energy sources like those in Utah, and reduce waste across the system.
Developing AI talent will support both sides of the equation: it strengthens our state’s competitive position in emerging technologies and provides the expertise needed to modernize the infrastructure on which those technologies depend.
Analysts project that AI could add trillions of dollars to the global economy in the coming decade. The country that leads will shape standards, capture investment and influence the direction of future innovation. Ensuring that America and Utah remain in that position will depend in large part on whether states continue to strengthen these talent pipelines and support the infrastructure required for growth.
Utah has innovative universities, a growing technology sector and a skilled workforce ready to meet this demand. With a continued focus on forward-thinking education and workforce development, as well as responsible infrastructure planning, our state can play a meaningful role in sustaining American leadership in AI for years to come.