Throughout history, transformative technologies—from the printing press to the internet—have redefined how societies work, learn, and grow. Today, artificial intelligence, data, and automation represent the next great leap. But this isn’t just a tech story—it’s an economic one, and it’s unfolding here in Louisiana.
And the clock is ticking. Louisiana faces urgent issues and the session intro will include a deep dive into “The State of Our State”—data and analytics that reveal both the challenges and the untapped potential of Louisiana. From demographic shifts and labor force participation to industry transformation and capital access, we’ll confront the numbers with clear eyes and bold intention.
The session will then connect past technological revolutions to this present AI moment. We’ll explore how these tools are reshaping every sector of Louisiana’s economy: energy, education, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and local government.
Grounded in real-world case studies from regional initiatives and enterprise experience, Robert shares a practical framework—Data Samurai’s four pillars: Agility, Governance, Proficiency, and Community—to help leaders evaluate and implement AI in mission-aligned ways.
This session goes beyond the hype. It challenges Louisiana’s innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to stop waiting for outside solutions and start building systems of resilience, innovation, and digital sovereignty—right here, right now.