Mission
Success in the global economy of tomorrow requires robust forethought and action from leaders today.
- Lead the global economy of the future
- Strengthen America’s innovation infrastructure
- Raise the standard of living for all Americans
On July 21, 2026, the Council on Competitiveness convenes some of the nation's most consequential leaders — from the lab to the boardroom, from campus to to the corridors of government — for "A Competitiveness Conversation: San Diego."
The agenda is ambitious by design: transformative computing and AI. Next-generation fusion and advanced energy. Biotech, biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology. Sensors reshaping healthcare. Advanced microelectronics. Autonomous systems redefining defense, security, and space. San Diego sits at the crossroads of all of it — and this Conversation will show why.
UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla and Council President & CEO Deborah L. Wince-Smith will host a full day of candid, forward-looking dialogue on what it takes to build thriving regional innovation ecosystems — and what the rest of America can learn from San Diego's playbook.
The speaker lineup is growing daily — visit the event page for the latest agenda, confirmed speakers, and full bios.
Don't just watch the next economy take shape. Be in the room where it's mapped.
What does it take to build the United States' next great innovation ecosystem? In Maryland, we saw an emerging answer: align universities, federal labs, industry, venture capital, infrastructure, workforce, and public policy around AI, quantum, and biotechnology — then move with speed and purpose.
In her May Forbes.com article, President and CEO Deborah L. Wince-Smith explores how Maryland is building a next-generation model for U.S. competitiveness — particularly in AI, quantum, and biotechnology — and “place-making innovation.” Key insights from the Council’s Maryland edition of Competitiveness Conversations Across America:
Read Deborah's full Forbes.com article here: "Transforming Computing, Transforming Maryland — A New Approach To Place-Making Innovation"
Photo credit (right): Exquisitely Composed Images
The Council on Competitiveness is thrilled to welcome Sundar Raman, CEO of Fabric & Home Care and P&G Ventures at Procter & Gamble, as our new Business Vice Chair.
Sundar is renowned as a transformational leader who drives growth by reinventing business models and pioneering new approaches. His forward-looking mindset and track record of positive change will be a tremendous asset as we work to shape a prosperous and competitive future.
Upon joining, Sundar shared: "At P&G, our focus is on innovation that improves lives. I believe that building a robust and competitive innovation ecosystem is a vital contributor to global progress. I am honored to join this important dialogue."
Read the Council's full statement welcoming Sundar to the Council community here.
The Technology Leadership & Strategy Initiative's (TLSI) Compact for America: A Call to Action for a New Tech-Driven Industrial Base and National Innovation Ecosystem synthesizes the experiences, insights, and recommendations of the TLSI members—some 50 Chief Technology Officers from across business, academia, and the U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories—offering a roadmap for fostering the technologies and resulting innovations necessary for dramatically increasing U.S. productivity, prosperity, and security. Read the full TLSI Compact for America here.