Connecticut ranks 11th in AI readiness despite low business adoption

Connecticut ranks 11th nationally in artificial intelligence preparedness, positioning the state as moderately ready for an economic transformation that could reshape nearly half of all jobs within the next five years. This ranking comes as businesses across industries accelerate their adoption of AI technologies, creating both opportunities and challenges for states competing in the digital economy.

A comprehensive analysis by Brainly, an online learning platform that serves millions of students globally, evaluated all 50 states across key AI readiness factors including business adoption rates, educational infrastructure, federal investment, and foundational technology access. The study’s timing reflects growing urgency around AI preparation, particularly as a 2025 World Economic Forum report found that 41% of employers intend to replace workers with artificial intelligence by 2030.

Connecticut’s mixed performance reveals both strengths and vulnerabilities

Connecticut demonstrates particular strength in digital infrastructure, ranking second nationally with 85.5% of households having access to ultra high-speed internet—connections fast enough to support bandwidth-intensive AI applications and remote work arrangements that increasingly rely on cloud-based AI tools. The state also performs well in educational preparation, with 8.5% of high school students studying computer science, placing Connecticut 10th nationally in this critical foundation skill.

However, the state’s business community appears slower to embrace AI transformation. Only 8.1% of Connecticut businesses currently use AI technologies, ranking the state 27th nationally in business adoption—a concerning gap given that early AI adopters often gain significant competitive advantages in efficiency and innovation.

This disconnect between infrastructure readiness and business implementation suggests Connecticut companies may be missing opportunities to leverage the state’s strong technological foundation for competitive advantage.

National trends highlight the urgency of AI preparation

The broader economic landscape underscores why state-level AI readiness matters for long-term competitiveness. Nearly 2.2 million American workers now hold AI-intensive roles—positions that require direct interaction with artificial intelligence systems or expertise in AI development and implementation. These roles span industries from software development and finance to healthcare and manufacturing, with employment in this sector expected to grow 19% through 2033, far outpacing overall job growth.

Job market demand reflects this transformation. U.S. job listings requiring AI expertise reached 874,000 in 2022, representing a 26% increase from the previous year according to analysis by PwC, the global consulting firm. Meanwhile, universities have responded by expanding relevant programs, with AI-related degree recipients reaching 424,000 in 2023—a 32% increase over five years.

The rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has accelerated these trends by making AI capabilities accessible to non-technical workers across virtually every industry. This democratization of AI technology means that states with strong educational foundations and business adoption rates will likely capture a disproportionate share of the economic benefits.

Regional competition intensifies among northeastern states

Connecticut faces stiff competition from neighboring states that have achieved higher AI readiness rankings. Massachusetts ranks 5th nationally, benefiting from its concentration of universities, research institutions, and technology companies around Boston. Rhode Island, despite its smaller size, ranks 9th by focusing on targeted AI initiatives in specific industries.

The top-performing regions share common characteristics: high concentrations of research universities, significant federal research funding, strong technology sectors, and proactive state policies supporting AI development. Washington D.C. leads nationally, followed by New Hampshire, Utah, Maryland, and Massachusetts in the top five positions.

At the other end of the spectrum, rural and resource-dependent states occupy the bottom rankings. Alaska, West Virginia, Maine, Louisiana, and Idaho round out the least AI-ready states, typically struggling with limited broadband infrastructure, fewer technology companies, and less federal research investment.

Economic implications for Connecticut’s future competitiveness

Connecticut’s middle-tier ranking suggests the state has solid foundations but needs strategic focus to avoid falling behind in the AI economy. The state’s strength in digital infrastructure provides a platform for growth, while its proximity to major technology hubs in Boston and New York offers potential advantages for talent and investment attraction.

However, the low business adoption rate indicates that Connecticut companies may need additional support—whether through training programs, incentives, or public-private partnerships—to integrate AI technologies effectively. States that successfully bridge this gap between infrastructure capability and business implementation often see accelerated economic growth and job creation in high-value sectors.

The study’s methodology incorporated the most recent data from the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and National Center for Education Statistics, providing a comprehensive snapshot of current AI preparedness across multiple dimensions. As artificial intelligence continues reshaping the American economy, Connecticut’s ability to move from infrastructure readiness to practical implementation will likely determine its competitive position in the years ahead.