New AI Readiness Index Shows Indiana Businesses Moving Beyond AI Experimentation

The Index brings together national research, Indiana workforce and economic indicators, and new adoption data collected through IN AI, the statewide AI adoption initiative launched in April by Indiana Governor Mike Braun with the support of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP).

The initial IN AI dataset includes more than 900 data points from nearly 700 Indiana companies collected through IN AI Roadshows, partner events and the statewide AI Readiness Assessment during the initiative’s first three months.

Among companies engaging with IN AI, 75% report moving beyond experimentation, with AI being piloted, scaled or integrated more broadly into their business operations. Early data also suggests that industries with higher concentrations of science and knowledge workers tend to report more advanced adoption.

“This gives us something we haven’t had before: a growing view of how Indiana companies are actually approaching AI,” said Nathan Ringham, Vice President of Research at CICP. “The goal is to measure adoption and understand where businesses are making progress, where they are getting stuck and how Indiana can better connect employers and workers with the resources they need to capture the opportunity.”

The IN AI Readiness Index tracks company adoption across four stages, Experiment, Pilot, Scale and Transform, ranging from initial use of AI tools to integration of AI into core operations and new products and services.

“For Hoosiers to succeed, Indiana businesses need to thrive. As a state, our role is to make that easier, and that is why I launched IN AI, offering businesses of all shapes and sizes the opportunity to access tech resources in a supportive environment,” said Gov. Braun. “It’s encouraging to see Indiana employers are already adopting AI tools to improve business operations and efficiency. With programs like IN AI, we are working hand-in-hand with employers to future-proof their businesses and build long-term economic, job and wage growth statewide.”

The IN AI Readiness Index also connects company-level adoption trends with statewide workforce and economic data developed by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) under the Office of Commerce. An interactive DWD dashboard allows users to explore trends shaping Indiana’s workforce as AI changes occupations, skills and the way work is performed.

Together, the data provides a broader view of AI readiness: not only whether companies are adopting the technology, but how adoption could affect productivity, talent and economic growth across the state.

“AI readiness is an important indicator – it’s not just a measure of technology, but whether Indiana employers are prepared to adapt and succeed as the nature of work changes,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “This Index is another tool to leverage as we evaluate economic and workforce trends. Together, the data can help us identify where new skills, training and support will have the greatest impact on our existing workforce and our talent pipeline, creating more high-wage career opportunities for Hoosiers.”

The Index is designed to evolve as Indiana’s AI adoption efforts expand. Additional company responses will sharpen the picture across industries, company sizes and regions, while workforce and economic data can help policymakers, educators, employers and economic development leaders understand where needs and opportunities are emerging.

These initial results are an emerging snapshot rather than a census of Indiana businesses. Participation and sample sizes vary across industries, and IN AI will continue updating the Index as participation grows.

IN AI is designed to help Indiana businesses move from AI exploration to practical implementation. The initiative combines statewide Roadshows, peer learning, real-world use cases, readiness tools, workforce resources and project support to help organizations apply AI to increase productivity, strengthen competitiveness and invest in their workforce.

Indiana organizations can explore the IN AI Readiness Assessment at cicpindiana.com/ai-index and complete a three-minute AI Readiness Assessment to identify their organization’s starting point, access relevant resources and contribute to Indiana’s evolving picture of AI adoption.

IN AI is a statewide initiative launched by Governor Mike Braun, with the support of the CEOs of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), to accelerate Indiana’s readiness for the AI-driven economy. The human-centered initiative focuses on empowering businesses with the tools and resources needed to adopt artificial intelligence, aiming to engage Hoosiers around the state and make Indiana the most AI-ready state in the nation. IN AI will drive productivity, create high-paying jobs, and position Indiana as a leader in the global AI economy. For more information, visit INAIReady.com.

The CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 to bring together the chief executives of the region’s prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana’s continued prosperity and growth. To advance this objective, CICP sponsors five key talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana, and TechPoint, each of which addresses challenges and opportunities unique to its respective area: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology. To learn more about CICP, visit cicpindiana.com.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) strengthens Indiana by understanding workforce needs, aligning resources and providing access to services that empower Hoosiers to thrive in an ever-changing economy. DWD connects Hoosiers to meaningful career opportunities and helps employers find the talent they need to grow. Through partnerships with educators, businesses and communities, DWD works to strengthen Indiana’s economy and prepare a skilled workforce for today and tomorrow.