San Diego businesses need to adopt more artificial intelligence initiatives and increase the local AI talent pool to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for artificial intelligence. This is a key takeaway from his fifth study in a series on the proliferation of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI-ML) within the county’s major economic clusters by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC). is one of
EDC, in partnership with global technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, released a new report in April called Designing the Future: AI-ML for Smart, Thriving Cities. This study explores the history and evolution of smart city initiatives around the world, and whether technology can improve efficiency and inclusiveness.
Popularized in the 90s, the term “smart city” refers to “smartness” measured by key metrics such as innovation, sustainability, education, government transparency, safety, health, and interconnectedness. , refers to a data and technology driven city.
San Diego’s population grew 8.4% over the past decade to over 3.3 million, according to an EDC report. To remain economically competitive and inclusive, regions must prioritize affordability, sustainability and mobility. EDC officials believe that implementing AI-ML technology will accelerate the region toward that goal, but they are not there yet. Local governments and businesses have not yet been fully integrated into smart city initiatives and are still in the early stages, according to the report.
Senior Research Manager
EDC
“San Diego is considered an early adopter of AI-ML. The region’s innovation ecosystem, academic institutions, and existing smart city initiatives put San Diego in a strong position to integrate AI-ML technologies. can stand on business journal“By closing the talent gap, developing transparent and ethical frameworks, and leveraging AI-ML tools for inclusive economic growth, we will continue to integrate AI-ML and smart city initiatives across the region. can be accelerated.”
Technological advances such as computer vision, deep learning, neural networks, edge computing, and natural language processing (NLP) are all being integrated into smart cities using technologies such as smart grids and transportation systems in the AI-ML field. is part of This type of technology can promote responsible energy consumption, alleviate traffic problems and more. Several local cities, including Chula Vista, have started this process. Chula Vista has been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation as a test zone for self-driving vehicles.
more jobs than graduates
However, these changes require more industry workers. EDC reports that demand for AI-ML talent is more than double his supply in San Diego. That’s a problem. Findings show that while the region produced fewer than 3,000 AI-ML-related graduates in 2021, more than 7,800 region-specific job postings will require AI-ML skills in 2022. Yes, and the median advertising salary in 2022 was over $120,000. Average wages for these jobs have increased by about 30% over the past three years.
Most of the job postings were for software developers, data scientists and computer engineers. The region has seen a nearly 40% increase in students graduating with AI-ML related degrees, but not enough to meet demand.
“There is a pervasive talent shortage across our country, and San Diego’s smart city and AI-ML talent are no different,” said Martinez. “Companies in this space are partnering with local colleges, universities, and non-traditional training programs to reach out to new talent and help current employees avoid San Diego’s affordability issues. We need to provide incentives.”
San Diego’s higher education institutions are trying to meet this challenge. Examples include the Machine Learning Methods program at the University of California, San Diego, and his WIFIRE lab, which supports research on wildfires. San Diego State University also has an electrical and computer engineering department focused on autonomous vehicle technology.
EDC also explored mobility, residential development, and energy related to San Diego’s smart city initiatives. The report reveals that nine of his 10 in San Diegan commute to work, with nearly 90% traveling alone by car. A driver’s one-way commute averages about 25 minutes, which is shorter than in many other US metropolitan areas, but post-COVID “back to work” policies are pushing more drivers onto the road. Combine that with increased gas prices.
Then there’s the issue of safety. In 2021 alone, about 300 people died in traffic accidents here. Using AI-ML to enhance mobility can alleviate these concerns. The city of Carlsbad is a great example. We have launched a pilot program that uses AI-ML to sense traffic flow and optimize traffic lights.
On the issue of housing development, the report suggests that AI-ML planning systems like ‘TNO Urban Strategy’ identify housing needs by evaluating demographic data such as income levels and population density, and analyze those findings. We explored how to use to power the planning of the billions of development projects around us. region.
The integration of AI and ML can analyze the impact of developments on air quality and congestion before construction crews even start construction. It can also be used to predict how increased employment will affect a particular community and predict what types of housing and amenities will be needed. Given that people in San Diegan may not have to travel far from home to get to work, this could reduce traffic and emissions.
Emphasis on inclusiveness
When it comes to energy, EDC believes analytics engine tools like Measurabl’s Asset Optimization can identify ways businesses and customers can reduce power usage and costs. The report reveals that local businesses using this technology can expect to reduce their energy costs by 5-10%.
If all these sweeping changes are to be integrated, the EDC says the focus should be on increasing public transparency and inclusiveness.
The existing AI-ML talent supply is reported to be more racially diverse than the national average, but lags behind other demographics in the region, with the largest number of Asian employees and They tend to have the fewest Hispanic or Latinx employees.
“A skilled and diverse talent pipeline that can meet industry demands will underpin the successful integration of AI-ML with smart city initiatives,” said Martinez.
San Diego’s next chapter is moving from smart city to smart city, according to an EDC report. prosperous.
“If there is one place where AI-ML-powered smart city initiatives can succeed, it is San Diego,” says Martinez. “The region’s innovation ecosystem and local smart city initiatives are fostering the necessary environment for this technology integration. We can develop best practices that bring
San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
Founded: 1965
President and CEO: Mark Cafferty
Headquarters: Downtown
Employees: 22
Business: Independently funded, not-for-profit economic development agency
Website: sandiegobusiness.org
Attention: The San Diego Area EDC works directly with businesses looking to expand, stay, or locate in the area, free of charge. As a non-profit organization, its activities are supported by nearly 200 companies.
