Much of the conversation around artificial intelligence currently has focused on its impact on jobs, productivity, and the enormous investments being made in data centers and computing infrastructure.
But what comes next?
Economist Gad Levanon recently offered an interesting perspective on what he calls the “Second AI Boom.” His premise is that the major “Next Wave” of economic activity may come not simply from building AI technology, but from developing and commercializing the new products, materials, scientific discoveries, and industrial applications that AI makes possible.
From an economic development perspective, that distinction is important.
The opportunities may extend well beyond traditional technology centers to communities with established manufacturing capabilities, research partnerships, reliable infrastructure, and an increasingly connected workforce.
In Warren County and the Adirondack region, some of the foundations for this next wave are already taking shape.
Over the past five years, significant investments in fiber-optic infrastructure have expanded high-speed broadband access across communities that historically faced connectivity limitations. These investments are helping create new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and people who can work from virtually anywhere.
Recent Census data also points to changing workforce patterns. In Warren County, the share of residents working from home increased from 8.3% in 2024 to 13.5% in 2025, according to newly released American Community Survey estimates.
While these developments do not necessarily indicate a direct connection to AI, they demonstrate how our region’s economic capabilities and opportunities are evolving.
At EDC Warren County, several ongoing initiatives align with this emerging landscape:
Advanced manufacturing: Supporting existing employers as new technologies create opportunities.
Freshwater innovation: Building on research relationships involving RPI, IBM, and the Jefferson Project.
Digital infrastructure: Leveraging expanding fiber networks.
Workforce and entrepreneurship: Recognizing the growing importance of remote work, technical skills, and location-independent businesses in a changing economy.
For economic development organizations, an important question is emerging:
How do we position our communities, existing businesses, and workforce to participate in the new industries and opportunities that AI may help create?
EDC believes the investments and partnerships being developed today can help prepare our region for the economic opportunities of tomorrow.
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Photo credit: Luke Dow Photography