Wednesday, April 1, 2026

From Policy to Practice: How Georgia Is Defining the Next Innovation Era

This month, we’re seeing two things move forward at the same time—policy and practice.

At the Capitol, there is real momentum behind making computer science a graduation requirement for students across Georgia. It’s a clear signal that our state is aligning education with the realities of today’s economy—where digital literacy and technical fluency are foundational, not optional.

That kind of progress reflects years of collaboration between industry, educators, and policymakers working toward the same goal: preparing the next generation of talent to compete and lead.

At the same time, at Georgia Technology Summit, we’re seeing that alignment play out in the market.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future-state conversation. It’s actively reshaping how companies operate, compete, and grow. And here in Georgia, that work is happening at scale—inside enterprises, across startups, and throughout our broader innovation economy.

That’s what makes this moment different.

We’re not asking what’s possible—we’re defining what’s next.

At the Georgia Technology Summit on April 30, that conversation comes into focus. This year’s theme—Innovation Unleashed: Navigating the Intelligence Frontier—is built around what happens after experimentation. How organizations scale. How leaders make decisions when intelligence becomes embedded across the enterprise.

It’s also a reflection of something bigger.

Vision 2030: Georgia as a Global Hub of Innovation is grounded in the reality that this ecosystem is already delivering impact at a national and global level. The role of TAG—and this community—is to continue connecting the people, ideas, and opportunities that accelerate that momentum.

From policy to practice, April is a clear signal of where Georgia is headed—and how quickly we’re getting there.

Larry K. Williams

Author:

Larry K. Williams

TAG President & CEO

Larry Williams serves as President & CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), one of the largest statewide technology associations in the U.S., representing more than 30,000 members. Now in its 25th year, TAG is focused on driving innovation, talent development, and forward-looking policy to keep Georgia competitive in the global tech economy.

With nearly a decade at the helm, Williams brings deep experience in both the public and private sectors. He has led international business and innovation efforts in Atlanta, Seattle, and Raleigh—cities recognized for their thriving tech ecosystems. His leadership is grounded in cross-sector collaboration, economic development, and scalable impact.

As Georgia continues its trajectory toward 450,000 full-time tech jobs by 2033, Williams is a key voice in strengthening the state’s talent pipeline, supporting entrepreneurship, and ensuring Georgia remains a hub for transformative technologies like AI and cybersecurity.

In addition to his role at TAG, Williams serves as Executive Director of the National Technology Security Coalition (NTSC), connecting CISOs with federal policymakers to shape national cybersecurity policy.

“Innovation is my greatest passion,” Williams says. “Our job is to ensure technology drives inclusive, sustainable growth—locally, nationally, and globally.”

 

Contact via Email

TAGwire

Get the latest resources from TAG