Austin Next

The building blocks of any ecosystem are the companies that have been founded or migrated here; however, it is the mortar between those blocks that makes a strong foundation. The mortar of an ecosystem is the people, culture, and ideas that flow throughout. Today we are speaking with Thom Singer, the Human Connection Catalyst on how the movement, interaction, and creative collisions of talent and innovation are changing, adapting, and growing in the region. With this solid bedrock for future growth...What's next Austin?  

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Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn
Ecosystem Metacognition Substack

We talk a lot about how Austin is transforming into the next great innovation powerhouse, but how do you define a growing innovation powerhouse. What do the academics say are the right ways to measure an ecosystem’s growth and how does Austin stack up. In this episode, we speak with Ross Devol, President and CEO of Heartland Forward. We talk about his latest research, where Austin ranks, and what trends are creating both headwinds and tailwinds for our community. Understanding the data helps us understand…What’s Next Austin?

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Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn
Ecosystem Metacognition Substack

No innovation ecosystem exists in a silo and one of the significant growth drivers are the companies that are deciding to move here from other regions. Whether it is a satellite office or a new headquarters, these organizations have a big impact on the local community. In this episode, we talk with Jason Ball the President and CEO of the Round Rock Chamber on who is coming here, what is driving the transition, and the challenges they face once here. It’s the marriage of our home-grown enterprises with the continued inflow of new companies that sets the stage for…What’s Next Austin?

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Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn
Ecosystem Metacognition Substack

Episode 2: Interview with Marc Nathan Part of the evolution of Austin into the next great innovation powerhouse is the change in the types of companies that are being started here. The history of Austin is deeply connected to personal computers, enterprise software, and semiconductors. Today the next generation of companies are coming from CPG, consumer technology, life sciences, media tech, space, and more. We have a growing number of unicorns and “soonicrons.” Marc Nathan, a local player and reporter, on the startup ecosystem, walks us through who those companies are and how they are changing the landscape of what it means to be a startup in Austin. Understanding what is being built will help us answer…What’s Next Austin?

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Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn
Ecosystem Metacognition Substack

Before we can see what’s next for Austin, we have to know where we have been. To walk us through the history of the Austin innovation ecosystem, we interviewed John Sibley Butler from UT Austin. Professor Butler has been a part of the ecosystem for decades and sees the various waves of growth. Come listen for the history lesson that will help us answer…. What’s Next Austin?

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Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn
Ecosystem Metacognition Substack

Over the last decade, Austin has exploded into the national consciousness as the next great innovation powerhouse. That has only accelerated over the past 18 months as talent, capital, and companies are making the move. Homegrown companies across the spectrum are becoming unicorns and having significant exits. Austin’s flywheel is gaining momentum.

During this last surge, we moved here as well. A father and son team that has seen some ecosystems grow, some stagnate, and some never take off. To understand what the future holds for Austin’s innovation ecosystem and how to accelerate its growth, we will talk with local players, hear from outside perspectives, and dive into the latest academic research.

In the end, we are driven by the need to answer one basic question...What’s Next Austin?