What does it really take to get started with artificial intelligence in a small or mid-sized company right here in the U.S.?
We're breaking it down in this two-part series.
In part 1, Matt Kirchner shares lessons from his recent trip overseas and what he learned visiting 26 advanced tech companies in six days. From open-source innovation and mandatory AI education to the work ethic driving global competition, Matt explains why the time to act on AI is now, and how American business leaders can take practical steps to stay ahead.
He connects global insights to the realities of U.S. manufacturing and education, explores what it means to see before others see in the age of AI, and outlines the first practical technologies every organization should understand, from AI agents and MCP servers to embedded smart technology and digital twins.
In this episode:

• What China’s open-source approach to AI is teaching the world about speed and innovation
• Why small and mid-sized U.S. businesses can’t afford to wait on AI adoption
• The two traits every leader needs to thrive in the AI era and how to apply them today
• How manufacturers are already using AI for predictive maintenance, analytics, and smart equipment
• The real-world technologies, like MCP servers, AI agents, and digital twins, that can start transforming your operations now

Including...the first 5 technologies from A Manufacturer’s Guide To AI Tech.

FULL SHOW NOTES (plus links & resources): https://techedpodcast.com/appliedai

Want to see all the videos and data? Watch this episode on YouTube.

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