This is the focal point of the State of AI 2025, a comprehensive report released by OhioX, a nonprofit trade association committed to strengthening Ohio’s tech ecosystem. By blending data, expert insights, and community input, the report offers a detailed view of where Ohio stands and what lies ahead in the AI race.
Ohio's foundation in AI is well positioned. Home to national research institutions, Fortune 1000 companies, and a thriving manufacturing base, the state’s strengths lie in its ability to solve real-world problems responsibly and efficiently.
During a year-long research effort, including surveys, roundtables, and a state AI summit, stakeholders across Ohio explored critical questions about the state’s competitive edge in AI. Is Ohio poised to compete with AI hubs like Silicon Valley or Boston? If so, how can it position itself uniquely?
The results are increasingly optimistic. 52% of survey respondents said they were “bullish” on Ohio’s potential in AI, while many others believe that with the right investments, the state will rise to the occasion.
Chris Berry, President and CEO of OhioX, strongly believes that AI is "a workforce and economic opportunity" while emphasizing the need for collaboration between industry, education, and government.
To succeed in an AI-driven world, Ohioans recognize the importance of playing to their strengths. The report emphasized several emerging opportunities:
Efforts to capitalize on these opportunities are already underway. OhioX has collaborated with key stakeholders, including educational institutions and policymakers, to launch initiatives like the Ohio AI Forums and the Ohio AI Toolkit, which introduce AI concepts to schools.
One of Ohio’s historical strengths has been collaboration. The report shows that advancing AI cannot fall to any one group. State officials, educators, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs must work together to ensure AI adoption aligns with economic growth and job creation. The Ohio AI Summit reflected this spirit of collaboration, gathering more than 400 attendees from diverse backgrounds, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Education is a recurring theme throughout the report, both in the context of K-12 classrooms and workforce training. Findings show that 68% of organizations are upskilling their employees to reduce barriers to AI adoption. OhioX made advances in this area by backing statewide support for computer science education and AI literacy.
However, there are gaps to address. 38% percent of survey respondents identified the need for increased funding as the top resource for advancing AI adoption. Others cited the importance of training skilled AI professionals (24%) and ensuring access to trustworthy datasets.
The report openly highlights the difficulties Ohio is confronting. Even for those who see great potential, concerns remain about the state’s ability to compete against coastal AI hubs. Venture capital continues to flow mostly into established tech centers, leaving parts of Ohio struggling to secure the financial resources needed for large-scale innovation.
The survey results paint a mixed picture of AI's measurable impacts. One-third of respondents reported they hadn’t yet found a measurable return on investment (ROI) from their Generative AI projects, and only 8% described achieving “very high” results. This contrast highlights the experimental nature of AI adoption, even among tech-forward companies.
Another pain point is building a strong talent pipeline. Despite advances in AI education, 19% of surveyed organizations said limited technical expertise remains a significant barrier to adoption. Companies at the forefront of AI adoption recognize the need for both technical experts and cross-team organizational support.
The main message of the State of AI 2025 report is straightforward: Ohio has what it takes to establish a strong leadership role in AI. Success, however, will depend on deliberate choices, including enhancing workforce training and adopting transparent, ethical AI practices to ensure lasting progress.
OhioX calls on leaders across sectors to lean into collaborative efforts. Initiatives like the 2025 Ohio AI Summit, scheduled for November, will build on the momentum created by this report.
There is a clear recognition that AI is not just a technological shift; it is a societal one. With thoughtful action, Ohio has a chance to show the world how a Midwestern state can lead responsibly in the AI economy.
AI, after all, is not about replacing people. It is about empowering them to adapt, grow, and thrive in a rapidly shifting environment. For Ohio, what lies ahead is not only an opportunity to innovate but also an opportunity to inspire.
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