YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton centered her economic vision on the intersection of artificial intelligence and regional revitalization during a stop at the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) on Tuesday. Ahead of a scheduled campaign rally in Lisbon, Acton toured the facility, which serves as a national hub for additive manufacturing and tech-driven economic development.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment for Ohio’s industrial landscape, as policymakers and business leaders grapple with the rapid integration of AI and machine learning into the manufacturing sector.
Leveraging AI for Ohio’s Industrial Future
During her walkthrough of the YBI, Acton engaged with local entrepreneurs who are currently deploying advanced software tools to optimize supply chains and refine precision manufacturing. In an era where tech giants are aggressively integrating AI into search and productivity suites, Acton argued that Ohio has the unique potential to move beyond being a consumer of these technologies to becoming a primary architect of them.
“We are not just talking about traditional manufacturing anymore; we are talking about the marriage of data science and physical production,” Acton said during her tour. She noted that companies leveraging generative AI to automate prototyping are cutting development cycles by months, a move she believes is essential for the state to remain competitive in the global market.
Acton’s platform highlights the necessity of “tech-forward” policy, advocating for state-funded initiatives that support the integration of Google Cloud’s industrial AI tools and other platforms designed to help small-to-medium-sized businesses modernize their infrastructure. By facilitating access to high-performance computing, she believes Ohio can retain homegrown talent that might otherwise migrate to traditional coastal tech hubs.
The Role of Tech Education and Digital Literacy
A significant portion of Acton’s discussion focused on the digital skills gap. As tech companies like Google continue to roll out AI-driven updates to their search, workspace, and development environments, Acton emphasized that the Ohio workforce must be agile.
“Digital literacy is no longer just about using a browser,” Acton explained. “It’s about understanding how to interact with large language models and automated systems to solve complex logistical problems.”
She proposed a collaborative model between the state’s technical schools and incubators like YBI to create “AI-readiness” certification programs. These initiatives would mirror the professional development certifications offered by major tech firms, ensuring that Ohio’s workers have the credentials necessary to operate the advanced machinery that is increasingly powered by sophisticated algorithms.
Bridging the Digital Divide in the Rust Belt
While the focus on high-level innovation was clear, Acton acknowledged the persistent challenges of connectivity and infrastructure that hinder smaller communities in the Mahoning Valley. Addressing the “digital divide” remains a cornerstone of her tech policy. She criticized the slow rollout of high-speed broadband in rural areas, arguing that without a robust digital backbone, the promise of AI-led economic growth will remain confined to urban clusters.
“If we want the next generation of software developers and engineers to thrive in places like Lisbon or Youngstown, we must ensure they have the same access to high-speed data as someone in Silicon Valley,” Acton stated.
As she prepares for her rally in Lisbon, Acton is signaling to voters that her administration would prioritize a “technological renaissance.” By treating the Youngstown Business Incubator as a blueprint for the rest of the state, she hopes to convince Ohioans that the future of the Rust Belt lies in its ability to adapt to a digital-first global economy. Whether this message resonates with an electorate focused on traditional industrial concerns remains to be seen, but the emphasis on modernization is clear: Acton believes the path to Ohio’s prosperity is written in code.
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