From Show Floor to Shop Floor: What CES 2026 Signals for the Future of Economic Development

Each January, thousands of business leaders and innovators from around the world flock to the Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, to catch a glimpse into what’s next. But this year in Las Vegas, what stood out most wasn’t just the technology on display; it was how clearly innovation is accelerating from concept to real-world application. Even more striking was how often Georgia sat at the center of those conversations.

For our team, CES 2026 was both a window into emerging global trends and a working environment for advancing active projects, strengthening partnerships, and reinforcing the state’s value proposition to some of the world’s most forward-thinking companies. From going behind the scenes with existing partners to intentional relationship-building beyond the show floor, the week underscored an important truth: in today's business environment, relationships matter just as much as innovation.

Relationships That Extend Beyond the Booth

While CES is known for its scale and spectacle, some of the most meaningful conversations happen away from the crowds. These conversations allow us to align on shared priorities, better understand where companies are headed, and identify how Georgia can continue to support their growth. In a competitive global environment, companies are looking for partners who stay engaged well after an announcement is made. Economic development doesn’t stop with a one-time announcement; it’s an ongoing commitment.

The Continued Evolution of Robotics

One of the clearest themes at CES was the evolution of robotics, particularly in manufacturing environments. While automation has long been a staple in advanced manufacturing scenarios, conversations with industry leaders reinforced just how quickly robotics is advancing toward even more practical use cases. What once felt futuristic is now becoming operational, with implications for productivity, workforce longevity, and job quality. For states like Georgia, this reinforces the importance of preparing both infrastructure and talent pipelines to support advanced manufacturing environments.

Consumer Technology Meets Design and Efficiency

Innovation wasn’t limited to the factory floor. This year’s CES showcased how consumer technology continues to evolve at the intersection of design, efficiency, and connectivity. From next-generation displays to smart home appliances, the focus is increasingly on integrated systems that enhance daily life while reducing energy use and improving performance.

For economic developers, this convergence matters. It speaks to the growing demand for advanced manufacturing, R&D, and supply chain operations that can support increasingly sophisticated products—all areas where Georgia continues to compete and win.

Georgia’s Reputation, Reinforced

Perhaps most encouraging was hearing directly from global partners about why Georgia continues to work for them. These partners emphasized the strength of Georgia’s workforce, the reliability of its infrastructure, and the stability of its business environment. These are not abstract advantages; they are operational realities that enable companies to scale, innovate, and invest with confidence.

At CES, Georgia’s story wasn’t just being told; it was being validated by the companies continuing to build their future here.

Looking Ahead

This year's CES made one thing clear: the pace of innovation is accelerating, and the line between technology showcase and economic reality is disappearing. States that succeed in this environment will be those that pair innovation with execution, and attraction with long-term partnership.

At Georgia Power Economic Development, our role is to help ensure that as technology evolves, Georgia is ready - with reliable energy, data-driven insight, and support for companies at every stage of their growth. CES may last a week, but the work of turning innovation into opportunity continues all year long.