CONTENT: Article
Self-driving vehicles and smart assistants like Siri and Alexa make artificial intelligence (AI) a feature of daily life. Behind the scenes, AI is having a significant impact on America’s cities, their economies and workforces.
In San Diego, for example, industries where AI engagement is above-average support 175,680 jobs and $33.3 billion in annual gross regional product, according to a new study released by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and underwritten by Booz Allen. One compelling takeaway 95% of the San Diego companies surveyed for the study agreed that “AI will transform my industry.” Moreover, another 89% agreed that “AI will be essential to the future of my business.”
Also the director of the city’s performance and analytics department, Kirby Brady brings experience as a researcher to a new role that will oversee new tech and initiatives to reinvent how the city operates.
More than a dozen San Diego County nonprofits will be the recipients of $750,000 in grants from The San Diego Foundation to create more opportunities for youth to study STEM fields.
The foundation is directing funds to 13 programs reaching young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities. The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation recently reported that Latino and Black communities are greatly underrepresented in San Diego’s highest-paying industries and occupations, many of which are related to STEM science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The programs receiving grants are:
San Diego State University Research Foundation, supporting the WE BELIEVE program (Women and Black Empowered Learners Interning in Engineering Environments). The university will provide summer research internships for Black high school and community college students.