Van Gorden
WILKES-BARRE — Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept for Northeast Pennsylvania.
It is already affecting the region’s largest industries — from health care and manufacturing to retail and transportation — bringing new efficiencies while raising important questions about jobs and workforce readiness.
“Over 44,000 jobs in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area are now ‘AI-exposed,’ meaning many daily tasks can be enhanced or partially automated by emerging technologies,” says Ethan Van Gorden, a Research Analyst at The Institute. “At the same time, demand for workers with AI-related skills has surged dramatically in recent years, signaling a rapid shift in how businesses operate.”
Van Gorden said there are benefits to AI usage when it is implemented thoughtfully.
• Businesses in the region are using it to streamline routine tasks, reduce administrative burden, and enhance decision-making.
• Manufacturers are adopting predictive maintenance tools to avoid costly downtime.
• Retailers are enhancing customer experiences through personalized recommendations and automated service tools.
These gains have the potential to boost productivity and help local businesses stay competitive.
“Using AI does not automatically mean businesses are replacing workers,” notes Van Gorden. “In many cases, it augments jobs, allowing employees to focus on higher-value, more creative, or decision-driven tasks.”
AI technology also presents challenges, however. Van Gorden said the region’s relatively low level of AI readiness is a major concern. While adoption is increasing, NEPA lags behind other areas in workforce training, technological infrastructure, and organizational capacity. This gap raises the risk that local businesses could fall behind or struggle to fully capitalize on AI’s benefits.
Van Gorden said workers in clerical, administrative, and other routine roles also face a higher risk of automation and potential job displacement. AI-related job displacement is already occurring nationally and could accelerate without proper planning.
A proactive approach to AI implementation will help the region mitigate the risks and take advantage of the opportunities available. Van Gorden said closing the gap between growing AI usage and preparedness will be essential to ensure that the technology strengthens rather than disrupts the regional economy.
One way to help close that gap is by expanding access to workforce training, Van Gorden said. Upskilling programs, through community colleges, universities, and workforce organizations, can help employees learn how to use AI tools effectively and adapt to changing job requirements.
Without these efforts, skill gaps could widen, leaving some workers behind.
Additionally, Van Gorden said if employers create environments where employees can safely experiment with new technologies, it can encourage innovation within organizations and can help workers build confidence and competence while driving business growth.
“With coordinated efforts from businesses, educators, and policymakers, the region can harness AI to build a stronger, more competitive future, while ensuring that workers remain at the center of that progress,” Van Gorden said.
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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.