New Technology / Ai Development
Track AI development, model progress, product releases, infrastructure shifts and strategic technology signals across the artificial intelligence sector.
The Talent Map: How CSET’s PATHWISE Can Guide AI and Cyber Workforce Policy
Topic
AI and Cyber Workforce Policy
Key insights
- Welcome everyone and well give it just a few moments for folks to join
- My name is Mattias Arcienzi, Im a senior Fellow here at the Center for Security in Emerging Technology at Georgetown University
- Today were here to discuss how CESITs Pathways tool can support AI and cyber workforce policy
- I will bring in my colleagues and Ali who will give us a short demonstration of the Pathways tool
- This will be followed by a panel discussion with three workforce experts
- For all attendees, the microphones have been muted
Perspectives
Panel discussion on the Pathways tool and its implications for AI and cyber workforce policy.
Proponents of Pathways Tool
- Highlight the importance of timely labor market data for job seekers
- Argue that Pathways Tool maps AI and cyber talent supply and demand effectively
- Emphasize the need for educational institutions to adapt curricula to evolving job requirements
- Propose that alternative pathways in education can address workforce shortages
- Claim that partnerships between employers and educational institutions are crucial for workforce development
Critics of Current Workforce Strategies
- Warn that outdated data leads to misalignment between skills and job market needs
- Question the effectiveness of traditional educational structures in keeping pace with technological change
- Critique the lack of employer engagement in shaping educational programs
- Highlight the risk of job displacement due to AI automation in entry-level roles
- Point out the challenges faced by rural educational institutions in accessing resources
Neutral / Shared
- Acknowledge the rapid evolution of job titles and required skills in AI and cyber fields
- Recognize the importance of community colleges in providing accessible education
- Note the significance of data transparency and explainability in AI systems
Metrics
ai_employees
1.8 million employees
number of AI employees in California for 2025
This figure highlights California's leading role in the AI workforce, influencing talent attraction and investment.
there are about 1.8 million AI employees in the state for this time period itself
workforce_metrics_period
January to August 2025
time period for workforce metrics used in the tool
Understanding the timeframe helps in analyzing trends and making timely policy decisions.
we are using work force metrics from January to August 2025
education_metrics_year
2024
year for education metrics used in the tool
This year indicates the most recent data available for assessing educational outcomes in AI.
for education metrics we are using data for 2024
cyber_job_hosting
high values
total number of cyber-related job hosting across the US states for 2025
Indicates strong demand for cyber talent in key states.
California and Texas again have very high values itself
ai_job_hosting
20%
share for AI related job hosting in a specific region for 2025
Highlights the significant presence of AI jobs in that area.
the highest share for AI related job hosting in 2025 was in the area where we have about 20%
ai_job_hosting_south_dakota
26%
total job hosting for AI-related jobs in South Dakota
Demonstrates a notable concentration of AI job opportunities in South Dakota.
we find 26% of total job hosting for that region for a given time period were all related to AI
other
more than a decade years
Tiffany's experience in cross-sector roles
Indicates extensive expertise in workforce development and AI.
She is more than a decade of cross sector experience
internet_access
dial up speed
access to technology in communities
Limited internet access hinders educational opportunities and workforce readiness.
some of them that are still they're on dial up and they're paying 400 to $500 a month for their cell phones.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
The CESIT's Pathways tool aims to enhance AI and cyber workforce policy, fostering a more skilled workforce in these critical areas.
- Welcome everyone and well give it just a few moments for folks to join
- My name is Mattias Arcienzi, Im a senior Fellow here at the Center for Security in Emerging Technology at Georgetown University
- Today were here to discuss how CESITs Pathways tool can support AI and cyber workforce policy
- I will bring in my colleagues and Ali who will give us a short demonstration of the Pathways tool
- This will be followed by a panel discussion with three workforce experts
- For all attendees, the microphones have been muted
05:00–10:00
The Pathways Tool aggregates workforce and education metrics to map AI and cyber talent supply and demand across the US, enabling informed policy decisions.
- Pathways Tool is the latest tool for identifying and analyzing emerging technology talent in the United States
- The tool maps the supply and demand of the AI and cyber workforce across US regions
- Pathways Tool highlights the top educational institutions producing AI and cyber talent by degree level
- The tool aggregates data from three different sources: lightcast job posting data, lightcast work profile data, and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System data
- Workforce metrics from January to August 2025 are used for the tool
- Education metrics for the tool are based on data from 2024
10:00–15:00
The increasing role of private universities in producing AI graduates leads to a significant rise in demand for cyber-related jobs, particularly in states like California and Texas.
- Private universities are playing a bigger part in introducing AI-related graduates
- Total number of cyber-related job hosting across the US states for 2025 shows high values in California and Texas
- Demand for cyber-related occupations is broken down by federal government and private sector
- Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland have the highest share for cyber-related job hosting
- CBS (core base statistics) helps find local talent ecosystems
- South Dakota has 26% of total job hosting for AI-related jobs in its region
15:00–20:00
The lack of timely labor market data in AI and cyber roles hinders job seekers' access to quality jobs, misaligning skill needs with available talent.
- Tiffany is a director at Jobs for the Future for Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work
- Tiffany has over a decade of cross-sector experience in corporations, nonprofits, and startups
- Dr. Camille Dempsey is the director of the Penn West University for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
- Camilles research explores how emerging technologies and generative AI are reshaping human presence, connection, and learning
- Ali Crawford is a senior research analyst leading research on cyber and AI workforce development
- Alis work informs policymakers and workforce leaders on strengthening national cyber readiness
20:00–25:00
The rapid evolution of job titles and skills leads to a significant shortage of cyber talent in the US, impacting workforce readiness and opportunities for underrepresented communities.
- Job titles and required skills are changing rapidly
- Outdated data can lead to designing programs for a workforce that doesnt exist
- Colleges face challenges when building curricula around outdated skills
- Students from rural or underrepresented communities miss out on emerging opportunities
- There is a shortage of cyber talent in the US estimated between 200,000 and 600,000
- The imbalance in the cyber workforce may stem from a lack of capable individuals or a skills gap
25:00–30:00
The rapid pace of technological change in AI and cybersecurity challenges educational institutions to adapt their curricula, leading to a struggle for relevance in a shifting landscape.
- The pace of technological change outruns academic structures
- Curricular processes, approvals, and governance cycles move slowly
- AI and cybersecurity are evolving daily, making it difficult for institutions to update courses
- Many faculty feel the ground is shifting under their feet due to rapid changes
- Universities are built upon a literacy culture construct
- Faculty often want to integrate AI and cyber skills but lack time and training