Key Takeaways
- North Carolina ranks ninth nationally for AI adoption, with over 22 % of businesses already using the technology.
- Generative AI accounts for roughly 85 % of AI applications in the state, primarily handling repetitive tasks such as data summarization, analysis, content drafting, and customer‑service support.
- Larger firms (250+ employees) lead adoption at a 37.3 % rate, while very small businesses (<5 employees) lag at 19 %.
- Analyst Matt Schulz attributes the state’s strong showing to its tech‑forward environment and concentration of financial institutions.
- The trends signal both workforce shifts and opportunities for upskilling as AI becomes more embedded in everyday operations.
North Carolina’s Rising AI Adoption
According to a new LendingTree report highlighted by WCNC Charlotte, North Carolina has secured the ninth‑spot in the nation for artificial intelligence adoption among businesses. The data show that over 22 % of businesses in the state already utilize AI, with many additional firms planning to integrate the technology in the near future. This placement reflects a broader trend of Southern states embracing digital transformation, positioning NC as a regional hub for AI‑driven innovation. The report’s findings are based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS), which captures real‑time adoption patterns across industries.
Matt Schulz on the State’s Tech Landscape
Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst with LendingTree, offered insight into why the Tar Heel State is performing so well. He remarked, “I’m not surprised at all that North Carolina ranks high on the list in part because it’s a tech-forward state,” adding that the presence of numerous financial institutions creates a natural appetite for cutting‑edge tools. Schulz’s comment underscores how sector‑specific strengths—particularly in banking, insurance, and fintech—can accelerate technology uptake when paired with a supportive ecosystem of universities, research centers, and state‑level incentives.
Generative AI Dominates Business Applications
The LendingTree analysis also breaks down the types of AI being deployed, revealing that generative AI usage makes up around 85 % of overall AI business usage in North Carolina. This overwhelming share points to a preference for models that can create text, summarize documents, or generate code rather than more niche applications like computer vision or robotics. The dominance of generative AI suggests that companies are initially targeting low‑hanging fruit—tasks that are repetitive, language‑intensive, and easily automatable—before venturing into more complex AI implementations.
Common Use Cases for AI in NC Firms
Within that generative‑AI majority, most firms are applying the technology to repetitive tasks such as summarizing information, analyzing data, drafting content, or assisting with customer service. For example, a regional bank might use AI to automatically generate meeting minutes from recorded calls, while a marketing agency could employ language models to draft social‑media copy at scale. These applications not only save time but also free employees to focus on higher‑value activities that require creativity, judgment, or interpersonal skills.
Scale Matters: Larger Companies Lead the Charge
Adoption rates vary markedly by company size. Businesses with over 250 employees use AI at a rate of 37.3 %, substantially higher than the statewide average. Larger organizations typically possess the financial resources, data infrastructure, and specialized talent needed to pilot and scale AI initiatives. They also face competitive pressures to improve efficiency and customer experience, making AI a strategic priority. The disparity highlights a scaling challenge: while big firms reap early benefits, smaller entities may struggle to justify the upfront investment.
Small Businesses Lag but Show Promise
In contrast, companies with fewer than five employees use AI at a rate of only 19 %. This lower figure reflects constraints such as limited budgets, lack of in‑house expertise, and uncertainty about return on investment. Nevertheless, the near‑20 % adoption among micro‑businesses indicates a growing awareness of AI’s accessibility, especially as cloud‑based AI services and low‑code platforms reduce technical barriers. Many small firms are beginning to experiment with off‑the‑shelf tools for tasks like invoice processing or basic chat‑bot support.
Implications for the Workforce and Future Skills
The widespread use of generative AI for routine tasks signals a shift in the skill sets that employers will value. As AI handles data summarization, drafting, and basic customer interactions, workers will need to complement these capabilities with critical thinking, complex problem‑solving, and emotional intelligence. Training programs—whether offered by community colleges, private providers, or employers themselves—will play a crucial role in helping the workforce transition toward roles that leverage AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement.
Looking Ahead: NC’s AI Trajectory and Policy Considerations
North Carolina’s current standing as a national leader in AI adoption presents both opportunities and responsibilities for policymakers. Encouraging continued growth may involve expanding broadband access, funding AI research at institutions like NC State and UNC‑Chapel Hill, and creating incentives for small‑business experimentation. At the same time, state leaders must address potential downsides—such as job displacement, data privacy concerns, and algorithmic bias—through thoughtful regulation and workforce‑development initiatives. As the technology evolves, NC’s ability to balance innovation with inclusive, ethical deployment will determine whether its early lead translates into long‑term economic resilience.
https://www.wral.com/business/technology/nc-ranks-9th-nationally-ai-business-usage-june-2026/