Larry Williams, President & CEO, Technology Association of Georgia

In an interview with Focus:, Larry Williams, president and CEO of Technology Association of Georgia, emphasized Georgia’s emergence as a global hub for transformative technologies like AI and quantum computing. “Global innovators are increasingly drawn to Georgia as leading companies in technology and innovation want to be part of this thriving ecosystem,” said Williams.

What are some of the association’s most meaningful contributions to Georgia’s technology ecosystem over the past 18 months?

I believe we continue to be very impactful in what we do. Our main purpose is to connect the ecosystem of people who are driving innovation and our entire technology ecosystem. Additionally, we promote Georgia as not only one of the leading states for technology but also as a global hub of innovation. The innovations emerging from Georgia influence the world, shaping how businesses are built, processes are improved, and lives are enhanced globally.

Global innovators are increasingly drawn to Georgia as leading companies in technology and innovation want to be part of this thriving ecosystem, which includes large corporations, growth-stage companies, private equity investments, and next-generation innovators. Our education systems, from K-12 to higher education and technical colleges, play a crucial role in developing talent.

Our association hosts more than 100 events annually, ranging from grassroots gatherings like startup pizza nights to large-scale conferences such as the Georgia Technology Summit. These events spotlight current and emerging technology trends, including artificial intelligence, extended reality, and quantum computing. AI is already reshaping industries by revolutionizing how services and processes are developed, while quantum computing, which is advancing faster than many anticipate, is set to become the next major technological disruptor. A prime example of our commitment to cutting-edge insights was featuring Bret Taylor, Chairman of OpenAI and former co-CEO of Salesforce, as a keynote speaker. By focusing on these transformative technologies, we ensure our members stay informed about both immediate advancements and future breakthroughs. Keeping pace with innovation is not just about understanding today’s landscape but also preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities, reinforcing Georgia’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation. We also advocate at the state and federal levels for policies that foster innovation, particularly in workforce development.

What strides in workforce development has TAG made towards Georgia’s innovation hub?

Our association remains deeply committed to workforce development, advocating for policies that drive both innovation and talent growth. While traditional four-year degrees continue to play an important role, we recognize the need for diverse pathways into tech careers. That’s why we’ve established Georgia’s only registered technology apprenticeship program in the Southeast, creating accelerated opportunities for skills development beyond conventional education. We’re equally focused on preparing the next generation through high school internship programs in STEM and STEAM fields, giving students early exposure to technology careers. Simultaneously, we’re cultivating leadership pipelines to develop tomorrow’s CTOs, CIOs, and technology executives through targeted professional development initiatives. These efforts complement our work with educational institutions and policymakers to ensure Georgia’s workforce remains competitive in an evolving technological landscape. By bridging the gap between education and industry needs, we’re not just filling current job openings but building a sustainable talent ecosystem that will support Georgia’s position as a global innovation hub for years to come. Our comprehensive approach addresses workforce challenges at every level, from classroom to C-suite.

What specific challenges do Georgia’s tech companies face under current state and federal regulations?

At the federal level, our association actively advocates for comprehensive privacy and cybersecurity policies to protect businesses and critical infrastructure. We are pushing for a unified national privacy standard to replace the current patchwork of state regulations, making it easier for companies to operate while safeguarding consumer data. Our advocacy also focuses on strengthening defenses for both IT and operational technology systems that underpin our nation’s infrastructure. Workforce development remains a key priority, as we work to ensure policies support the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. These efforts rely heavily on strong public-private partnerships that bring together government agencies, businesses, and educational institutions. By fostering collaboration between these sectors, we aim to create effective solutions that enhance national security while supporting technological innovation and economic growth. Our work helps maintain Georgia’s leadership in developing policies that balance security, privacy, and business needs.

What partnerships are in place to strengthen your operations and the tech ecosystem in the state?

Partnerships are incredibly important for us. To help our companies grow, we collaborate with both large and small private-sector businesses, as well as educational institutions. The University System of Georgia, including Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State, and Augusta University, plays a vital role in driving innovation.

We also work closely with private equity firms and venture capitalists, both locally and nationally, as there is significant interest from investors in Silicon Valley, Boston, and New York in Georgia’s tech ecosystem. Our partnership with Venture Atlanta, one of the largest venture capital conferences in the country, is a point of pride.

Local chambers of commerce and business communities are essential partners, as their success directly impacts ours. Additionally, we collaborate with policymakers, including the Georgia state legislature, the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Revenue, the Department of Labor, and the Governor’s Office, to ensure supportive policies. The Attorney General’s Office is another key partner, particularly in shaping privacy standards. These partnerships collectively strengthen Georgia’s position as a global innovation hub.

What are some of the most urgent skill gaps you are hearing from members, and how is the association helping to close them?

Understanding AI and mastering its tools will be essential to remaining relevant in tomorrow’s job market, which is why talent is extremely important, and the demand for talent still exceeds the supply. There are a couple of things going on. One is how we meet the demand for technology jobs. There is a big range of the types of jobs that we need. We require everything from highly skilled, highly educated, Ph.D.-level data scientists and cybersecurity experts to individuals skilled in building out infrastructure, such as those installing fiber optic cables or working in data centers. Without data centers, there is no data, and without data, there is no AI. All of these jobs require training and a high level of education.

We are working with the private sector to understand demand and how to meet it through four-year degrees or other higher education pathways. We are also accelerating growth by training individuals in cybersecurity and preparing them through apprenticeships. Additionally, we focus on the talent pipeline starting in K-12 schools, ensuring students know there are great careers in technology. A career is more than just a job as it is a future where individuals can build, advance, and support their families.

We also help companies navigate the future, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce. AI will be disruptive and transformational, leading to job displacement. Our role is to work with companies to redeploy resources and help individuals refocus and develop new skills. The good news is there will be jobs and opportunities, but people must be proactive in learning.

In the future, there will be two categories of talent regarding AI: creators and users. Creators, about 20% of the workforce, will develop new AI platforms and applications. The remaining 80% will be users who master these tools. Our goal is to ensure people understand how AI works and how to apply it effectively.

How can small and mid-sized companies with limited resources integrate AI into their operations?

AI is evolving rapidly, and companies must embrace it. Some large companies are afraid of AI because they do not understand it, but the leaders are those who acknowledge the need to learn. They create sandboxes and user groups where employees can experiment, share knowledge, and encourage collaboration across departments. This sharing of information is critical because AI is advancing quickly. The ChatGPT of a year ago is different from today’s version, and it will continue to evolve. Humans are not going away, and whether it is optimizing operations, enhancing customer experiences, or unlocking new innovations, AI’s potential is transformative. However, AI’s responsible adoption requires collaboration as businesses must share knowledge, address ethical concerns, and develop workforce skills to harness AI effectively. These are critical for progress.

Looking ahead to the association’s next chapter, what are your top priorities over the next few years?

After celebrating our 25th anniversary last year, we are focused on the next 25. While we cannot predict everything two decades from now, we know the Technology Association of Georgia will remain a key player in driving innovation. Our partnerships with government, academia, and industry will continue to strengthen, ensuring Georgia stays at the forefront of technology. To guide our near-term efforts, we have launched our 2030 strategic vision, which will keep us agile and relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape. Georgia is already a global leader in critical sectors, such as fintech, health IT, logistics, and cybersecurity, thanks to our world-class infrastructure and talent.

We are committed to maintaining that leadership while expanding into emerging fields like AI and quantum computing. For example, Georgia Tech now produces more AI professionals than Stanford, MIT, or Carnegie Mellon, a testament to our state’s ability to cultivate top-tier talent. These graduates are not just theorizing about the future as they are applying cutting-edge tools in real-world scenarios, shaping industries and solidifying Georgia’s role as a hub for innovation. The next chapter will demand adaptability, collaboration, and bold thinking, but with our strong foundation and forward-focused approach, we are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.