THE AUSTIN MODEL

A generation ago, UT Business School Dean George Kozmetsky created the enduring vision for how communities can shape their economic future. Dr. Kozmetsky gave his vision a name: the Technopolis. Nationally, this strategy became known as The Austin Model.

Kozmetsky and a group of Austin leaders implemented this vision during the severe recession of the late 1980’s. Their efforts, which birthed first MCC and then SEMATECH, evolved a mid-sized university town into a major technology leader and a global center for semiconductor research, development and manufacturing.

In these tough economic times, my point is a simple one. We’ve been here before, and our response to that challenge not only forged a strong technology industry in Austin, but how we did it has become an international metaphor for Austin’s innovation.

I don’t believe the Kosmetsky’s vision of a technopolis in the hills of Central Texas was Austin’s final achievement.  The next one is upon us already.  We simply have to seize it. 

I hope you will read more about Kosmetsky’s approach and how it can help guide us into Austin’s next phase. These seven steps can help secure our current jobs and to create new opportunities and help Austin once again set an example of innovation for the country – this time in clean energy, biotech, healthcare and film and digital media.

We once again can create opportunity for people from all parts of our region.  It will take creativity. It will take hard work.  It will require innovation and an openness to new ideas.

A better future doesn’t happen by accident, and leadership in a 21st Century Economy won’t happen by accident.  We can control our future.  But we have to begin now.