Research

We examine AI adoption, workforce development, and the economics of small businesses - so that as AI advances, the people it affects most aren't the last to understand it.

SMB AI Adoption

How small businesses are discovering, evaluating, and integrating AI tools into their operations.

Workforce Development

The credentials, programs, and pathways that connect workers to the roles AI is creating and changing.

The Human Edge

The technical skills and real-world experience that hold value as AI takes over more of the work.

Policy & Economy

The federal initiatives, market shifts, and economic forces shaping how AI gets adopted across industries.

Policy & Economy

May 2026

What Happens to Entry-Level Jobs When AI Can Do the Work

AI is automating the tasks that used to train junior workers. That is not just an employment problem — it is a pipeline problem for every industry that depends on growing its own talent.

SMB AI Adoption

April 2026

Why Small Businesses Are Being Left Behind in the AI Transition

Enterprise companies are building AI infrastructure at scale. Small businesses are not. Here is why the gap is widening and what it means for the economy.

Workforce Development

April 2026

The Federal Push for AI Literacy and What It Means for Workforce Development

From NSF grants to White House executive orders, federal support for AI education is accelerating. We map the policy landscape and its implications for students and employers.

Human Edge

March 2026

What the Next Generation of Engineers Actually Needs to Know

AI is changing what it means to write software. Here is what that means for students entering the field and what skills will actually matter over the next decade.

SMB AI Adoption

March 2026

The Hidden Cost of Generic Software for Small Businesses

Subscription fees are the visible cost. The invisible costs — time lost, workarounds built, and decisions made around software limitations — are often far higher.

Human Edge

February 2026

Why the Best Portfolio Projects Are the Ones Someone Actually Uses

Toy projects demonstrate that you followed a tutorial. Deployed software demonstrates that you can build something real. The difference matters more than most students realize.