Artificial intelligence as an equalizer in Maine’s economy
By Heather Johnson, Communications Graduate Assistant
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing technology in the United States and worldwide.
Increased use of AI has many implications across different sectors and presents a significant shift in the labor market. A widespread concern, one especially seen in news and media, is the role of AI in changing the supply and demand of jobs. However, according to the latest research, AI can have positive impacts on industry productivity if it is used correctly.
Researchers with the NSF EPSCoR RII Maine-SMART project are working to understand how AI is changing the economic landscape in Maine. Working with University of Maine Professor Andrew Crawley, Research Associate Elinor Hunt is researching the impact of AI on Maine’s labor market. The team collaborates closely with industry stakeholders to determine the economic impacts of AI and conducts research to measure AI skill demand. To measure this demand, Crawley and Hunt look at the amount of online job postings that include AI skills in the job description.
Hunt’s findings show that Maine is adopting AI but not at the same rate as other states in New England. The implementation and growth of AI is dependent on the industrial composition of a region. Hunt explained, “The type of AI that is more accessible to users, both through ease of use, accessibility, and cost, is more easily adoptable by professional and technical servicess…due to the nature of the industries.” Maine has a higher composition of heritage industries compared to other states in the region. This includes areas like agriculture, forestry, and fishing. These fields are vital to Maine’s economy, culture, and history and are slowly beginning to utilize AI technology. Due to this, jobs in manufacturing, finance, technology services and professional science have experienced the most AI growth in the state.
In a rural state like Maine, AI growth provides positive economic benefits. Hunt explained, “AI can be this great equalizer if people have the desire and resources to use it as such.” AI technology can fill roles that rural economies lack due to smaller populations. Businesses can use it for mundane and automated tasks and filling roles that lack available labor. Individuals can also use generative AI, like creating new content, to fill gaps in the supply of technological computer skills. This saves time and improves productivity, which Hunt said, “Equalizes that difference between urban and rural labor markets.” Hunt emphasized that individuals in Maine should not be afraid of AI but instead learn how to use it to their advantage. According to Hunt, “AI is only as great as the person using it,” and needs to be asked the right questions to be helpful.
It is important to acknowledge that AI is a rapidly evolving field of technology, and research is constantly evolving to better understand AI and the labor market. Hunt hopes to discover more about the interaction between AI and Maine’s labor market, such as where jobs may become automated and how workers can adapt to this change. In the meantime, AI has proven to be beneficial in filling key gaps in Maine’s rural workforce.