texas Archives - Startup Economist

Belgian Startups, Immigration, and Why your Definition of Innovation is Wrong

Tuesday, 01 April 2025 by Paul O'Brien

Let’s make something clear before we get into it, this is a discussion of beer from the perspective of an entrepreneur and economist, to explain to you something critical to your startup ecosystem: “tech” is not code. It’s not apps, websites, VC-backed SaaS tools, or whatever spitting image of Silicon Valley nonsense is being peddled

Published in Startups

18 Comments

SX Sideways: More to Changing SXSW than Condensing the Weekends

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 by Paul O'Brien

For those unfamiliar, SXSW is rather unique in the world for being far more than a conference, trade show, or film or music festival — it’s an economic engine, a cultural touchstone, and, arguably, the defining force that made Austin a global hub for innovation and creativity. But in 2025, something felt… off. The conference,

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Published in Conferences / Events

35 Comments

Texas Drops a Bigger, Better Blueprint: Why the World Should Take Notes (and Copy It)

Friday, 07 March 2025 by Paul O'Brien

What if a state decided to flex its economic muscle so hard that it made entire countries blush? Welcome to Texas in 2025, where Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT) just dropped a 150+ page love letter to ambition titled Bigger. Better. Texas. — a five-year strategic Texas economic

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Published in Economic Development, Regional Development

14 Comments

Your Conference Event is Boring. Here’s How to Fix It in Austin (Especially for SXSW)

Monday, 24 February 2025 by Paul O'Brien

So, you’re hosting an event during a conference or trade show, perhaps a meetup, a happy hour, or maybe even some speakers with engaging content hosted by a dynamic moderator (you are at least getting dynamic speakers, yes? God forbid you’re putting people on stage because they’re the VP or some such); I’m excited, send

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Published in Austin, Conferences / Events, Economic Development

19 Comments

Building Cities Out of Song; the Creative Engine of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 by Paul O'Brien

Music, a primary cultural cornerstone, plays a transformative role in fostering creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking — traits essential for entrepreneurship and innovation. A 2019 study by the World Economic Forum underscored the symbiotic relationship between the arts and innovation, emphasizing that creativity spurred by artistic engagement improves problem-solving and decision-making. Similarly, the National Endowment for

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Published in Austin, Economic Development, Startups

34 Comments

Make America Texas Again

Tuesday, 12 November 2024 by Paul O'Brien

The story of the Alamo is one etched into the American consciousness, a tale of courage and defiance against overwhelming odds that has inspired generations. In 1836, Texian and Tejano defenders faced off against the Mexican army in a siege that would ultimately result in their tragic defeat. But the Alamo’s legacy transcended that single

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Published in Economic Development, Industry

42 Comments

The Quantum Corridor

Thursday, 03 October 2024 by Paul O'Brien

For too long, cities across the U.S. have attempted to define their startup communities by adopting monikers like “Silicon Prairie,” “Silicon Hills,” or “Silicon Beach,” an approach that inadvertently undermines their efforts to establish distinct, innovative identities. By labeling themselves after Silicon Valley, cities unintentionally (and likely unwittingly) put themselves second to an established technology

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Published in Industry, Insights / Research, Regional Development

1 Comment