Abstract for: A Systems Approach to Understanding the Impact of Federal Incentives on Broadband Access

The transformative impact of high-speed connectivity is increasingly apparent worldwide. To provide access and remain competitive, it is vital to invest in the necessary infrastructure, including the talent needed to build it. Growing the skilled workforce to expand broadband and 5G access in Ohio is key to bridging the digital divide. Ohio's Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership was created to support federally funded infrastructure expansion grantees. A conceptual system dynamics model was developed to examine the impacts of federal incentives on closing the broadband access gap in Ohio. Qualitative data from project stakeholders was combined with quantitative job postings, labor market information, and post secondary education data to inform development of the basic model. Incentive funding policy scenarios were modeled to gain insights into the impact of delays in funding on employer demand and rates of student enrollment, completion and job placement. This is a case study of how systems models can provide valuable insights for policy makers and practitioners working in partnership to accomplish the goal of expanding state's broadband and 5G infrastructure to provide access to all residents.