2024 Ecosystem Predictions — A Year of Tech Innovation, Manufacturing Resilience, and Lunar Exploration

Contributed by Rosa Hathaway, Atento Capital

We conducted a video interview with Rosa, and asked ChatGPT to summarize her prediction, and this was the result: 

TL;DR: In 2024, Tulsa is set to lead in autonomous technologies as an EDA Tech Hub with access to up to $75 million in funding, while the Heartland’s manufacturing sector attracts companies seeking resilient facilities. Generative AI will play a crucial role in optimizing manufacturing and design engineering, and lunar exploration will see eight missions, marking a year of innovation, economic growth, and space exploration.

Summary

The year 2024 holds exciting prospects across various domains, from technological advancements to manufacturing resilience and lunar exploration. Here are four predictions that could shape the landscape for the Heartland and beyond in the coming year.

Tulsa’s Tech Ecosystem Soars. Tulsa emerges as a frontrunner in tech innovation following its designation as an EDA Tech Hub, joining a select group of 31 hubs nationwide. With access to potential Phase 2 funding of up to $75 million, Tulsa is poised to lead in autonomous technologies such as aerospace systems, cybersecurity, and generative AI. Anticipated initiatives, including workforce development and testing corridors, position Tulsa as a thriving hub for autonomous technology, fostering economic expansion and job creation.

Heartland’s Manufacturing Renaissance. The heartland region, with its robust manufacturing capacity and cost-effective resources, is set to attract companies seeking resilient manufacturing facilities within the U.S. This trend highlights the region’s manufacturing capabilities, driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. The heartland’s emphasis on manufacturing of the future, including rare earth metals and semiconductor manufacturing, positions it as a dynamic hub for innovative industries.

Generative AI Revolutionizes Manufacturing. In 2024, generative AI continues its trajectory of refinement, playing a pivotal role in the manufacturing sector. Alongside AI, machine learning, robotics, IoT, and 3D printers, generative AI drives the automation megatrend. This technology enables tailored applications optimizing production, product design, and operational efficiency across various manufacturing methods, solidifying its impact on the global tech landscape.

Lunar Exploration Takes Center Stage. The moon witnesses a flurry of activity in 2024, with eight missions planned. Astrobotic’s Peregrine-1 aims to make history as the first private company to land on the moon. Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace contribute to lunar exploration, while JAXA’s SLIM and China’s Chang’e 6 rover mark significant lunar milestones. NASA’s VIPER rover and the upcoming Artemis II mission in late-2024 underscore the increased lunar activity, captivating audiences as humanity gears up to return to the moon.

As we step into 2024, these predictions paint a vibrant picture of technological innovation, manufacturing resilience, and lunar exploration. The unfolding events promise to reshape industries, economies, and our understanding of the cosmos, making 2024 a year to watch closely.

ChatGPT Q&A

Q: How do we measure the impact of large federal grants on communities?

A: Measuring the impact of large federal grants on communities involves a multi-faceted approach, as these grants can have wide-ranging effects on various aspects of community life. Here are some key methods used to assess their impact:

• Economic and Developmental Impact: This includes assessing job creation, business growth, improvements in local infrastructure, and overall economic development within the community.
• Social and Environmental Well-being: Evaluating how the grant influences social factors like education, healthcare, community cohesion, and environmental sustainability. This theme focuses on the quality of life and environmental health of the community.
• Efficiency and Long-term Sustainability: Measuring the effectiveness of grant utilization in terms of financial accountability, transparency, and the long-term sustainability of the benefits. This theme also considers how the grant affects local policies and future planning.