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A practical guide for Indiana business leaders ready to move beyond AI experimentation. Explore four core foundations for adoption—data readiness, workforce enablement, innovation strategy, and infrastructure—to identify what is slowing progress and take the next step toward responsible, effective implementation.
Over the past year, TechPoint has listened carefully to Indiana employers across industries. From manufacturers in Fort Wayne to healthcare leaders in Indianapolis to growth-stage SaaS companies across the state, one message has been consistent: AI is no longer theoretical.
By 2026, most Indiana organizations have experimented with AI in some form. Many have tested tools. Some have piloted automation. A smaller group is beginning to see measurable productivity gains.
But many are stuck.
It is industry-agnostic. It is practical. And it is rooted in the realities facing Indiana’s digital economy today.
This Playbook is designed to support ongoing AI initiatives, not just early exploration. If you are already piloting tools, this playbook will help you pressure-test whether your foundations are strong enough to scale.
Indiana’s economy is at an inflection point.
88% of companies nationally now report using AI in at least one business function.[1]
Entry-level hiring at the nation’s largest technology firms has declined significantly in recent years, creating new talent availability in secondary markets.[2]
65% of venture capital dollars invested in 2025 flowed into AI-related companies.[3]
Meanwhile, Indiana’s workforce is aging. Many experienced leaders will retire over the next decade. The pipeline of mid-career replacements is flattening, and coastal markets continue to compete aggressively for experienced talent.
The implication is clear: Indiana businesses cannot afford to experiment indefinitely.
We must build durable capability.
What leaders must fix before automation, analytics, or AI can deliver ROI.
Skills, work-based learning, and continuous reskilling strategies that align education and employers.
How to think about partnerships, platforms, and buy-vs-build decisions in an AI-driven market.
Energy, water, and digital infrastructure readiness—and why it matters more than most realize.
Each section includes:
If you have not completed the AI Readiness Assessment, we recommend starting there before diving into implementation. This playbook will be best suited for businesses in stages 1 or 2 of readiness: experimenting and piloting.
Choose one of the four foundational priorities for AI adoption below to get started.
