The global AI race is underway, and Ohio is leading the way. It’s up to each of us if we want it to remain that way.
In a recent MurphyEpson blog, we said organizations need to embrace AI “yesterday.” That’s why we attended the Ohio AI Summit. The event brought together representatives from major tech companies, JobsOhio (the state’s private economic development corporation), policymakers and economic development leaders.
Here are five key things we learned.
1. The Global AI Competition Is Already Here
Speakers emphasized that the United States and China are already locked in a high-stakes competition for global technology leadership. The country that leads will shape the world’s digital infrastructure and values. They warned that slowing down U.S. development would risk our strongest industries falling behind.
Ohio’s long history of innovation positions it as a key partner in strengthening America’s AI competitiveness.
2. Tech Companies Are Investing in Ohio for Clear Reasons
Representatives from major technology companies explained why they are investing billions in Ohio: reliable energy resources, water availability, a strong workforce, bipartisan policy support and the ability to scale advanced computing quickly.
They noted that data centers are fueling breakthroughs such as scientific discovery, disease research and new materials – all while becoming more efficient.
3. Ohio Isn’t Chasing Data Centers. Companies Are Chasing Ohio!
Billions of dollars in data center projects are already in the pipeline, driven entirely by company demand. Ohio stands out for its responsive permitting, energy capacity, site readiness and workforce partnerships.
JobsOhio encouraged companies to explore opportunities across the entire state, including rural areas.
4. Water, Energy and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) Concerns Need Clear Facts
The Summit addressed misconceptions about the environmental impacts of data centers. MurphyEpson is on the front lines of policy, communication and engagement, so we know people have legitimate questions. They deserve clear and legitimate answers.
Key clarifications included:
- In Ohio, data centers typically use water only 2–3% of the year.
- Golf courses use more than 20 times that amount of water.
- Data centers often fund major local infrastructure upgrades and support schools.
- Energy efficiency is improving dramatically due to advanced chips and cooling systems.
Participants emphasized that misinformation – sometimes intentionally amplified – remains a barrier that communities need help navigating.
5. Workforce Is Ohio’s Strategic Advantage and Challenge
Ohio’s workforce needs were front and center at the Summit. Data center projects require hundreds of skilled trades workers and advanced manufacturing technicians, in addition to IT and AI specialists. Like the rest of the country, Ohio faces shortages but is responding through partnerships with unions, colleges, universities and employers offering new pathways into tech.
Despite periodic labor shortages, Ohio’s coordinated approach is positioning the state as a national leader in tech workforce development.
The Bottom Line: Ohio Is Shaping America’s AI Future
The Summit made one thing clear: AI is an economic, national security and values-driven imperative. Through all of this, Ohio is a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy. But it also highlighted the importance of fighting misinformation, communicating benefits clearly and continuing to invest in workforce readiness.
