Reflecting on the discussions throughout the Conversation, The Hon. Deborah Wince-Smith, President and CEO of the Council on Competitiveness, identified the key component of Texas’ success: Texas is a state of builders. Ms. Wince-Smith outlined that society is made up of both builders and blockers. Builders are innovators and risk-takers, whereas blockers are those who impede progress. Texas has fewer blockers than many other regions, making the state’s economic environment conducive to bold ideas and transformative projects. Texas’ economy of builders has made it a stronghold of several industries crucial for America’s innovation ecosystem. Dr. Taylor Eighmy, President of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Acting President of UT Health San Antonio, pointed to Texas’ leadership in multiple industries, including space, biosciences, and cyber, positions the state as a hub for cutting-edge technologies. This capacity for Texas to build is only possible because of its “institutional anchoring, geography, and investment,” which Dr. Eighmy claims are the bedrock for Texas’ innovation ecosystem.
“There are two types of people: there are people who are builders and people who are blockers”
The Hon. Deborah Wince-Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer
Council on Competitiveness and National Commission Co-Chair
Regarding Texas’ geographic strengths, Dr. Eighmy stressed that Texas’ proximity and relationship with Mexico has been essential to both regions’ economic development. UTSA’s partnership with Mexican University Monterey Tec is emblematic of the progress and prosperity generated by Texas and Mexico’s cross-border partnerships. This partnership is particularly crucial in the face of China’s meteoric rise to power. An alliance of the nations of North America, Dr. Eighmy suggests, will be essential to protecting the interests of the free world against China’s illiberal and centralized political economy.
“China is a juggernaut beyond measure, and the sooner we organize in North America to prepare for that, the better off we will be.”
Dr. Taylor Eighmy
President
University of Texas at San Antonio;
Acting President
UT Health San Antonio
However, this relationship between the United States and its North American neighbors is being increasingly threatened by protectionist policies such as tariffs, which has harbored more economic competition as opposed to collaboration. In a radical proposal Ms. Wince-Smith proposed the complete removal of all tariffs around the world, setting the stage for a more prosperous and united world. The innovation corridor running through Mexico, Texas, and the other border states; is a powerful example to the world of the prosperity that international trade can bring to all its partners involved.
Despite the successes of Texas’ economic model, the state must be prepared for the evolution of the United State’s economic landscape. Dr. Eighmy believes that corporate and philanthropic research and development will become far more important components of an innovative economy. In light of this evolution, Dr. Eighmy believes that Texas, and other states across the nation, must be prepared to adapt their ecosystems to a new world driven by the private sector. As he notes, the Council on Competitiveness will be a crucial guide for innovators across Texas and the United States to this new economic landscape. To this point, Council CEO Ms. Wince-Smith called for stronger private sector leadership on issues of economic competitiveness. Private sector leaders must no longer focus purely on the interest of their own firms, but should look to serve the interests of the nation as well.
To close the Conversation, Council CEO Ms. Wince-Smith honored Dr. Eighmy with the U.S. Competitiveness Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership. Under Dr. Eighmy’s careful stewardship, UTSA achieved record graduation numbers, expanded its research initiatives, and strengthened its connection to the broader community. Dr. Eighmy’s efforts to integrate the University with downtown San Antonio, exemplified by the creation of the San Pedro block — the Conversation’s venue — have significantly enhanced the city’s activity and productivity. Dr. Eighmy’s leadership does not end in in San Antonio but also extends to the national stage. As part of the Council, Dr. Eighmy has served as both a Council Member and National Commissioner where he has advanced initiatives to expand the nation's competitiveness agenda, particularly through placemaking innovation and public-private partnerships. Ms. Wince-Smith provided special attention to the instrumental role Dr. Eighmy played at The University of Tennessee in securing the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, a $259 million public-private partnership backed by the U.S. Department of Energy. Concluding, Ms. Wince-Smith thanked Dr. Eighmy for his contributions to Texas’ competitiveness and for hosting an enlightening and productive Conversation.
