Texas – and our nation – are in the middle of a defining moment for our economic and technological future. The 21st century economy has rapidly evolved in recent years, bringing with it a pioneering technology that has revolutionized the way we do business, enhancing efficiencies and fueling economic growth: Artificial Intelligence (AI). With AI and machine learning projected to reel in an astounding $1.8 trillion in worldwide investment by 2030, Texas must seize this opportunity to lead. By harnessing AI development, we can maintain our competitive edge and supercharge our already superior business environment, keeping pace with national and global priorities and reinforcing our all-of-the-above-and-below energy strategies to secure our position as the nation’s premier economic powerhouse.
AI is at the forefront of the national agenda as well, with the Trump Administration calling for the U.S. to lead the AI revolution. At a recent AI summit in Paris, Vice President JD Vance emphasized the immense opportunity that AI presents and the critical need to prevent regulatory overreach from stifling innovation:
“We believe that excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off… Some foreign governments are considering tightening the screws on U.S. tech companies… America cannot and will not accept that, and we think it’s a terrible mistake.”
The Vice President’s message should resound loudly in the halls of Congress and state capitols everywhere: the U.S. should avoid restrictive and regulatory regimes that would limit our progress in AI, particularly when it comes to competing with China, which recently unveiled a new AI model that can purportedly outperform others in the U.S. and the broader global AI market.
Put simply: this should be a wake-up call for leaders at the state and federal levels. For Texas, this means we need to drive bold investments in energy infrastructure to fuel the AI revolution. By doing so, we can ensure that AI remains synonymous with acceleration and innovation.
The Trump Administration’s AI priorities must be echoed within Texas’ state agenda. As we continue to outpace the rest of the nation in economic growth, with the 8th largest economy in the world and a $469 billion Tech sector, Texas has a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to lead in AI innovation. We must harness this generational technology in order to sustain that growth, especially in the wake of both Apple’s $500 billion and Project Stargate's $500 billion recent monumental investment announcements, which include initial facilities here in the Lone Star State.
At the Texas Association of Business (TAB), we will always prioritize pro-growth policies that embrace innovation. A key step in this effort has been the creation of the AI Advisory Council, which studies how state agencies are leveraging AI, providing recommendations based on this information.
However, ensuring Texas remains at the forefront of AI innovation requires more than just policy initiatives – it demands a strong, sustainable energy infrastructure and a skilled workforce capable of leveraging as much as possible for our businesses within this broader technological revolution. The Lone Star State must invest in a diverse and resilient energy infrastructure – advancing natural gas, solar and renewables, battery storage, advanced nuclear power generation and geothermal resources.
These priorities took center stage during a TAB-hosted roundtable discussion last week with Wisconsin Congressman Bryan Steil, who serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and AI in the U.S. House Financial Services Committee. Drawing a parallel to the computer revolution, Congressman Steil warned that those who failed to adopt computer skills found themselves unemployable in many industries, and the same will hold true for AI. Likewise, to maintain our economic dominance, Texas must take decisive action to invest in reskilling and upskilling initiatives that prepare our workforce for the AI-driven economy. By fostering a workforce adept in AI, we can secure Texas’ leadership in innovation, ensuring that our businesses and industries remain competitive on the global stage.
The AI revolution is not a distant future – it is happening now, and Texas has the opportunity to lead the charge. With global competitors, particularly China, investing aggressively in AI development, Texas must act decisively to secure its place at the forefront of this technological transformation. TAB champions pro-growth policies, robust energy investments and a commitment to workforce development – essential pillars for driving innovation across sectors. By harnessing AI’s seismic potential, Texas will further cement itself as a national leader in the field, ensuring America stays ahead in the global AI race. The time to act is now – Texas must seize the moment and lead the AI revolution with the same pioneering spirit that has always set us apart.
-Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Texas Association of Business
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