North Augusta Thrives as Tech Sector Shines with $52 Billion Economic Impact

North Augusta Thrives as Tech Sector Grows

North Augusta, a vibrant city in South Carolina, recently played host to the SC Decoded tech conference on September 10 and 11. It was a bustling event featuring innovators and leaders from the tech world, all gathering to share insights and show off their latest projects. But more importantly, the conference unveiled the latest findings from the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) regarding the impact of the tech sector on our state’s economy.

Riding the Tech Wave

According to the freshly released 2024 Economic Impact of SC Tech study, South Carolina’s tech sector is now making a staggering annual economic impact of nearly $52 billion. This impressive number reflects growth that has come in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with tech jobs expanding twice as fast as other sectors over the past ten years. Dr. Joey Von Nessen, a research economist at the University of South Carolina, presented these crucial findings, shedding light on an ever-evolving industry that is shaping the future of the state.

“We’ve seen dramatic growth in recent years, and the tech cluster overall is continuing to expand its footprint in South Carolina,” Dr. Von Nessen shared, highlighting the exciting trajectory of tech amidst a backdrop of established industries like manufacturing and tourism.

More Than Just Numbers

The importance of these revelations can hardly be overstated. Currently, about 6.5% of South Carolina’s employment base is linked to tech. That’s a significant slice of the workforce considering the wide-ranging influence of technology in almost every sector. Interestingly, agriculture, often overlooked when we think of tech, saw a remarkable 27% increase in tech reliance from 2019 to 2022, making it one of the shining examples of how tech isn’t just for Silicon Valley.

The study also revealed that ever since the pandemic, the shift toward e-commerce has been a game changer. In the last half of 2019, online sales made up about 10% of total sales in the U.S., but by early 2020, that jumped to over 16%. While there was a slight dip following the pandemic, the rate bounced back to its peak early this year. This shift signifies not just a trend but a change in consumer behavior that’s here to stay.

The Forum for Innovation

The SC Decoded conference managed to bring together approximately 220 attendees and a dozen exhibitors, showcasing a dynamic mix of professionals. This gathering isn’t just about tech enthusiasts—it’s a melting pot of local businesses, economic developers, educators, and students who all aim to carve a path forward for South Carolina’s economy.

Jamie DeMent, director of SC Tech at the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, commented on the energy at the event, noting that connections made there could translate into exciting business opportunities. “More than 40 students got to connect with C-Suite professionals, entrepreneurs, and educators this year—it’s all about building relationships,” said DeMent. “We want to foster an environment where innovation can flourish, and this conference is a major step in that direction.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite some concerns about the role of technology and particularly Artificial Intelligence in job displacement, experts like DeMent reassured attendees, saying, “AI isn’t taking jobs; it’s dispersing them.” What this means for the workforce is that while tech jobs may increase, future roles will also emphasize soft skills—an essential component for navigating the evolving landscape.

North Augusta’s unique position, straddling the line between South Carolina and Georgia, opens doors for collaborations in cybersecurity and defense sectors, particularly in partnership with Fort Eisenhower and the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta. This blending of interests only serves to enhance the tech landscape in both regions.

Conclusion

As the sun shone brightly over the conference, the mood was equally radiant with optimism. With the tech sector on the rise and expansive opportunities unfolding, North Augusta continues to hold a special place in showcasing innovation for South Carolina and beyond. Who knows where this journey will take us next?