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Michigan Business Leaders Tackle Workforce, AI, and Infrastructure

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/30 .. ders-tackle-workforce-ai-and-infrastructure.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 23:37 GMT by inforum
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

Detroit, MI - January 31st, 2026 - Michigan's business leaders convened recently at the Michigan Business Roundtable to address the state's evolving economic landscape, focusing on critical issues like workforce development, the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence (AI), and the need for continued infrastructure investment. The discussion, expertly moderated by Dustin Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Business Network, revealed both optimism and a sense of urgency as panelists from diverse industries painted a picture of a state poised for growth, but facing significant hurdles.

Building on Momentum: Michigan's Economic Rebirth

Michigan is experiencing a demonstrable economic resurgence, largely propelled by significant capital investment in future-facing industries. The state's historical strength in automotive manufacturing is being leveraged and expanded into the new era of mobility, particularly electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced battery technology. Major announcements in the past year regarding new EV production facilities and component manufacturing plants have fueled job creation and attracted a new wave of talent and businesses. However, panelists cautioned that sustaining this momentum requires a proactive and coordinated approach to address emerging challenges.

"We're seeing a fundamental shift in the types of jobs being created," noted one CEO specializing in advanced manufacturing. "It's no longer enough to simply have skilled tradespeople. We need individuals proficient in robotics, data analytics, and AI-driven systems. The workforce needs to evolve, and rapidly."

The Persistent Talent Gap: A Crisis in the Making?

The pervasive talent shortage dominated much of the roundtable discussion. Leaders across multiple sectors reported difficulty finding qualified candidates to fill open positions, hindering growth and innovation. The problem isn't simply a lack of workers, but a lack of workers with the right skills. Traditional educational pathways are struggling to keep pace with the demands of a rapidly changing job market. Panelists emphasized the urgent need for expanded vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and partnerships between educational institutions and businesses.

Several proposed solutions included increasing funding for STEM education at the K-12 level, incentivizing individuals to pursue careers in skilled trades, and creating more robust retraining programs for displaced workers. Furthermore, there was a consensus that Michigan needs to do a better job of attracting and retaining talent from outside the state, highlighting quality of life factors and showcasing the state's growing innovation ecosystem. The discussion extended to addressing the barriers faced by underrepresented groups in accessing training and employment opportunities, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

AI: Opportunity and Disruption

Artificial Intelligence emerged as a central theme, recognized as both a potential engine of economic growth and a source of significant disruption. Panelists discussed how AI-powered tools can enhance productivity across various industries, automate repetitive tasks, and unlock new business opportunities. Examples included AI-driven predictive maintenance in manufacturing, personalized customer experiences in retail, and optimized logistics in supply chain management.

However, the conversation also acknowledged the potential for job displacement as AI-powered automation becomes more prevalent. The consensus was that proactive measures are needed to equip the workforce with the skills to adapt to this changing landscape. This includes investing in training programs focused on AI literacy, data science, and the development of skills that complement AI capabilities - such as critical thinking, creativity, and complex problem-solving. There was a call for exploring policies that support workers during periods of transition and ensure a just distribution of the benefits of AI-driven innovation.

Infrastructure: The Foundation for Future Growth

Panelists consistently emphasized the critical role of infrastructure investment in supporting Michigan's economic ambitions. They highlighted the need for modernizing roads and bridges, expanding broadband access to underserved areas, and building a robust network of electric vehicle charging stations. The lack of adequate infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, was identified as a major impediment to attracting new businesses and ensuring equitable economic opportunity.

The discussion extended to the need for investing in water infrastructure, energy grid modernization, and reliable public transportation systems. Several panelists argued that a comprehensive infrastructure plan is essential for positioning Michigan as a leader in the 21st-century economy. The long-term vision includes supporting a sustainable and resilient infrastructure network that can accommodate future growth and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The Michigan Business Roundtable served as a vital platform for open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. The message was clear: Michigan has the potential to thrive in the years ahead, but realizing that potential requires a concerted effort to address the challenges of talent shortages, AI disruption, and infrastructure deficits.