The importance of being tech-savvy about cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is the focus of the latest report from the Georgia Chamber Foundation.
Titled “Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” the Q2 report breaks down how the state’s economy will be impacted by AI, new technologies, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers. This is one of the five Prosperity Pillars in the Chamber’s Georgia/2050 strategic plan.
The report found that STEM is a significant contribution to the innovation economy. It finds that Georgia has more than 2.1 million STEM professionals. Over the next five years, it is anticipated that there will be 186,000 STEM jobs created. Georgia ranks ninth nationally in the number of high-tech jobs and 13th nationally for STEM doctorates.
“Georgia’s innovation economy encompasses a wide range of sectors, thriving under technological innovation, research and development (R&D) efforts, scientific research, and entrepreneurship. Several key trends are expected to continue to drive and shape innovation over the next three to five years,” said the report.
One of those trends is the number of business executives planning to increase investment in AI. More than 60% confirmed plans to increase their use of AI technologies over the next three years.
The report identified the key sectors that are turning to AI, including manufacturing, supply chain logistics, and retail and hospitality. AI can be particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs and startups.
“Entrepreneurs and start-ups can leverage advanced technologies to assist with remedial business tasks, allowing more time for meaningful strategy development and networking. Technology can assist with creative or brainstorming phases, creating branding, and process development,” advised the report, adding, “New sectors and businesses aimed at furthering AI use and technology continue to develop. Additionally, supply chains and supporting networks develop around hotbeds for this activity, further expanding entrepreneurial ecosystems in regions with growing technology sectors.
That growth is one of the reasons why an Augusta-managed IT services company offers a monthly class on AI and other forms of technology. Sharon Martin, CEO of Managed Nerds and a contributor to ABD, said not using technology gives competitors an edge. The classes are designed to show small business owners how to effectively use technology, starting with AI.
“There are a lot of AI tools out there. Maybe they’ve even tried AI in the past, and they just didn’t get the information they’re looking for,” she said. “We want to inform and help small businesses understand technology better. Some of it will be money-saving ideas, some of it may be answers to questions they’ve always wondered about, technology in general, or cybersecurity in general. But the idea is trying to break technology down into something that’s understandable by everybody.”
The next class will focus on how to use LinkedIn as a B2B lead generation engine. The class will be on July 29 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. It will be in theClubhou.se in the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center at 100 Grace Hopper Lane.
For more information and to register, go to https://www.theclubhou.se/events/2025/7/29/entrepreai-tuesday-managed-nerds
The Georgia Chamber Foundation’s Q2 report is online at
The other four pillars in the Georgia/2050 initiative are:
- Regional Prosperity and Healthy Communities.
- Talent & Workforce Preparedness
- Infrastructure & Energy
- Competitiveness & Economic Development
An overview of Georgia/2050 is at: https://www.gachamber.com/georgia-2050/
