To remain competitive in the next economy, the United States must expand its innovation footprint, and there is a growing urgency to capitalize on the untapped talent, technology, and infrastructure across America.
Under the auspices of the National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontiers, the Council on Competitiveness has launched its “Competitiveness Conversations Across America” leadership series: a set of regional summits and fora in all corners of the United States to uncover local best practices in amplifying innovation capacity and capability, and to elevate and deploy these practices to national attention.
A Texas Competitiveness Conversation: Fortifying the Future — Innovation in Critical Infrastructure Security
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the Council on Competitiveness has hosted the first Competitiveness Conversation of 2025 at the UTSA's impressive $92 million, 167,000-square-foot San Pedro 1 / National Security Collaboration Center. The event convened top innovators from Texas alongside members from the Council’s extensive national network of leaders to discuss Texas's rise as a global innovation hub, with a particular focus on its emergence as a powerhouse in critical infrastructure security (CIS). The Conversation examined the key factors driving Texas's position as the second fastest-growing economy in the United States, and it aimed to catalyze new opportunities to further enhance innovation in San Antonio and across the state.
Discussions focused on accelerating innovation, building the workforce of the future, enhancing collaboration across sectors, and securing vital systems — from the electric grid to financial infrastructure. Participants explored the best ways to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in San Antonio and throughout Texas, setting the stage for a more secure and prosperous future. Additionally, by sharing best practices and emerging strategies from Texas, this Competitiveness Conversation will bolster the broader U.S. innovation ecosystem.
CLICK on the photos below to: read each session’s overview, review key session insights, and watch each session on YouTube.
