Driving innovation and social equity in Georgia’s tech economy

Chloe: Larry, it’s great to connect again! Let’s dive right in. TAG is one of the largest state technology trade associations in North America. That’s impressive. Tell us some ways TAG has a positive impact on Georgia’s economic development.

Larry: Thanks for having me. I’m fortunate in my TAG CEO role because Atlanta and Georgia are already so much a part of the global marketplace. We influence the world already. Think about what Delta does every day, what UPS accomplishes, Coca-Cola—and the list goes on. These are companies really impacting the way business is done around the world. Did you know that 70% of all commercial debit, credit and reward card transactions happen in Georgia? We’re a fintech force and our position in cybersecurity has been built over decades. So, the scene is set for innovation and impact.

Over the past 22 years, TAG has built on this strong foundation, creating one of the most connected technology and innovation ecosystems in the country. We’ve brought together large and small businesses, established and startup enterprises, academia and capital in the public and private sectors. Did you know Georgia ranks #10 in technology employment nationally? TAG takes the state’s role in the national and global economy seriously. For example, a few years ago we created the National Technology Security Coalition, an organization of chief information security officers from around the U.S. We have some of the largest companies in the country participating, and we work closely with Congress and the Department of Homeland Security to ensure smart private sector voices are helping shape policies and federal legislation on things like privacy and data breach notification.

Chloe: TAG has done an amazing job growing Georgia's technology ecosystem to advance innovation. But I believe when most people think about growing a tech ecosystem and innovation, they focus on what you mentioned—business partnerships, helping to shape legislation, etc. TAG, though, goes a step further—including social justice and equity principles in its remit. Can you share TAG’s guiding principles and how they influence this?

Larry: Technology should work in the service of people—all people. And it's a shared obligation of TAG and our members to ensure technology doesn't disproportionately favor any one community. It can be a great equalizer.

We know bias can be built into technology and we must be thoughtful about this. So, when we think about the five principles that we put forward, it's making sure that TAG provides access to resources and opportunities for underserved groups. Sometimes it's just a connection—to a job, to a customer, to potential sources of capital for entrepreneurs. An introduction can change a life. ?So, Access is our Number One principle.

Next is Equity.

We use public/private partnerships to eliminate systemic barriers to opportunity. Here, we sometimes have to play the long game. For instance, we advocated for a state policy that passed two years ago.

It mandates computer science will be taught in every Georgia public school by 2025. We also host coding camps, which is a shorter-term solution. We work on initiatives to connect the rural workforce to areas of opportunity. We give out almost $185,000 in scholarships to help people pursue STEM-related careers. A huge piece of the equity equation is providing people with access not just to jobs, but to careers where they can grow. That way, they can support their families while also bettering themselves. ?

Diversity is the third principle. We're working with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) on upskilling IT people, really focusing on underserved, diverse populations, urban and rural. There's the traditional education system but there are also other ways to get people skilled for in-demand jobs—tech training, apprenticeships, on-the-job training.

The fourth principle is Participation. We need to have a greater number of diverse and underserved people represented in our membership. We focus on diversity and inclusion and weave it into the fabric of our being—and let it permeate the way we do things. It takes forethought. We must be intentional about it or it doesn’t happen. When a young woman sees somebody that looks like her doing incredible things, it can be that inspiring moment where she says, ‘Yes, I can.’ That’s an incredibly important force.

And the fifth principle is Human Rights. The basic idea that everybody should be respected, honored, and able to live out their dreams in an equal and equitable way. That’s extremely important. And it’s something we’ve all got to work for.

Chloe: You said so many powerful things. I was one of those people who was inspired and saw that I could do it. When I came to Georgia from NY, I saw so much success among people of color. And I thought, ‘Wow, this is a place where people of color can succeed.’ I love the way you're intentional about the things that you do and the way you connect those dots. Because that's how the magic happens. It's connecting the dots across that entire spectrum.

That's what makes it game changing if you think about the fast pace of technology and how it’s always evolving. We all must be lifelong learners because we all have to keep up. As you say, technology is an equalizer it and there’s opportunity to build success through certifications and get a foot in the door without four-year degrees for people who have a willingness to learn, passion and enthusiasm—it’s phenomenal. We’re running out of time, so let’s wrap with this: How can people in Georgia help advance inclusion and innovation for our state?

Larry: I think TAG’s own journey is a good example for this. We did some introspection and asked ourselves, ‘Are we reflecting the community and the members that we serve?’ And the answer was that we could do better. With that goal, we set out on a journey that defined what ‘better’ looks like, which led to the adoption of the five principles we just went over. We had to be real and look at ourselves before we could begin outreach to our community. I think we all can do that.

Chloe: You make me proud to be a Georgian! I think about what a beacon we can be for the rest of the country and the rest of the world. I'm even more inspired today than I was yesterday. I get really excited about the possibilities and what we can do together. Thank you so much Larry. I’m all fired up and ready to create big things and big dreams together!

If you enjoyed this article, you will likely enjoy the inspiring conversation I had recently with Andre Dickens from TechBridge. Together we can multiple impact