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Inforum 2026: Michigan Business Leaders Urged to Adapt to Accelerating Change

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/20 .. aders-urged-to-adapt-to-accelerating-change.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 14:21 GMT by inforum
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Detroit, MI - February 20, 2026 - The annual Inforum conference concluded today in Detroit, leaving Michigan's business leaders with a clear message: the pace of change is accelerating, demanding unprecedented levels of adaptability, innovation, and a laser focus on workforce development. The two-day event, attended by over 500 executives and industry experts, highlighted a confluence of challenges and opportunities poised to reshape the state's economic future.

Building on the themes first prominently discussed at Inforum 2024, this year's conference revealed a significant intensification of previously identified issues, notably the talent shortage, and a more nuanced understanding of the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and escalating cybersecurity threats. The push for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) remains critical, but is now viewed as inextricably linked to attracting a dwindling pool of qualified applicants.

The Talent Crisis: From Shortage to Chasm

The talent shortage, a consistent concern in recent years, is no longer simply a 'shortage' but a widening chasm. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that Michigan is facing a structural problem - a mismatch between available skills and employer needs. Traditional recruitment strategies are proving ineffective, and reliance on relocation is hampered by housing affordability and quality-of-life concerns in key economic hubs. Multiple panels focused on 'skill adjacency' - identifying transferable skills within the existing workforce and rapidly upskilling employees to fill critical roles.

"We're seeing a shift from competing for talent to creating talent," stated Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Learning Officer at StellarTech, a leading Michigan-based tech firm. "The days of simply posting a job description and waiting for qualified applicants are over. Businesses must become active participants in shaping the workforce, through robust apprenticeship programs, partnerships with community colleges and universities, and a commitment to lifelong learning." Sharma's company is pioneering a 'micro-credentialing' system, offering employees short, intensive training modules focused on specific skills gaps, a model gaining traction among other attendees.

AI: Beyond Automation, Towards Augmentation & Ethical Concerns

AI was a dominant topic, moving beyond discussions of simple automation. Leaders are now grappling with how to augment human capabilities with AI, creating new roles and increasing productivity. However, the conversation has evolved to include serious ethical considerations. Panels addressed the potential for algorithmic bias, the need for responsible data handling, and the importance of transparency in AI-driven decision-making.

The legal ramifications of AI deployment were also explored, with several speakers referencing upcoming state legislation regarding data privacy and AI accountability. A consensus emerged that businesses need to proactively develop AI governance frameworks to mitigate risk and ensure ethical implementation. The initial fears of widespread job displacement were tempered by the recognition that AI will likely create different jobs, requiring a focus on reskilling and upskilling programs - particularly in areas like AI ethics, data science, and AI maintenance.

Cybersecurity: A Proactive, Not Reactive, Stance

The cybersecurity landscape is becoming increasingly complex and aggressive. Ransomware attacks continue to target businesses of all sizes, and the sophistication of threat actors is growing exponentially. Speakers stressed that cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as a solely IT issue; it's a business risk that requires a proactive, company-wide approach.

"We've moved beyond simply defending against attacks," explained Marcus Chen, CEO of SecureMichigan Solutions. "Now, it's about threat hunting - actively searching for vulnerabilities before they are exploited. It also requires a robust incident response plan and a culture of security awareness throughout the organization." Investment in AI-powered threat detection systems and employee training programs focused on phishing and social engineering were highlighted as crucial steps.

DE&I: A Competitive Advantage in a Tight Labor Market

While DE&I remains a moral imperative, it's increasingly recognized as a critical business driver. Companies with diverse workforces are demonstrably more innovative, adaptable, and resilient. In a tight labor market, attracting top talent requires demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusivity. Attendees shared successful strategies for building diverse teams, creating inclusive workplace cultures, and addressing unconscious biases in hiring and promotion processes. Several speakers emphasized the importance of supplier diversity programs as a way to create economic opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Inforum 2026 concluded with a call to action for Michigan's business leaders to embrace change, invest in their workforce, and prioritize innovation. The challenges are significant, but the opportunities for growth and prosperity are immense. The state's future economic success hinges on the collective ability to navigate these complexities and build a more resilient, equitable, and innovative economy.