Over the past 33 years, I’ve witnessed Austin transform from a scrappy college town into one of the most vibrant tech hubs in the world. This success didn’t happen by accident. It’s not just about economic growth or innovation—it’s about community. The relationships we’ve built, the spirit of collaboration we’ve fostered, and the shared vision for a thriving future are the real drivers of Austin’s rise.
But here’s the reality: what got us here won’t get us to the next level. Austin—and any city that aspires to grow its ecosystem—must stay focused on the future, setting egos and individual agendas aside. The path forward requires a mindset shift, a recommitment to collaboration, and a bold vision of One Austin.
Advice for Communities Aspiring to Grow
Austin’s journey offers lessons for other communities looking to build thriving ecosystems. A successful tech hub is never just about companies or startups—it’s about people. But not about one or a few people… it is about all who work in and around tech. Here are three core principles for sustainable growth:
- Collaboration Over Competition
Growth happens when organizations and individuals work together, not against each other. Tech hubs that view success as a shared mission—rather than a zero-sum game—build trust, foster innovation, and attract investment. - Focus on Community
Strong ecosystems grow from the ground up. Support local meetups, create mentorship opportunities, and prioritize grassroots initiatives. It’s the connections between people that ultimately drive success. Never let any one group “own” the ecosystem or the future is tied too much to one group, person, or idea. - Commit to Continuous Reinvention
Communities can’t rest on their laurels. The strategies that worked five years ago won’t necessarily meet tomorrow’s challenges. Staying relevant means adapting to new trends, technologies, and global opportunities.
What Austin Must Do to Stay Relevant
Austin’s success has been nothing short of remarkable, but now is not the time to hit the brakes. To remain at the forefront, we need to double down on collaboration and innovation. The Austin Technology Council is committed to cultivating and expanding a connected Austin tech community that embraces collaboration, elevates diverse leadership, and fosters shared success. Here’s how:
1. Adopt a ‘One Austin’ Mentality
Austin must embrace the idea that we’re stronger together. No one organization or leader can take the city to the next level alone. It’s not about whose logo is on the banner; it’s about the collective impact we can make.
A “One Austin” outlook means working across boundaries—nonprofits, businesses, universities, and government entities must align their goals and pool their resources. The focus should be on lifting the entire community, not just individual pockets of success.
2. Invest in Education and Workforce Development
A thriving tech ecosystem depends on a well-educated and adaptable workforce. From K-12 STEM initiatives to robust continuing education programs, we need to ensure Austinites have the skills to compete in a global economy.
This also means making our community inclusive. We must invest in programs that empower underrepresented groups, ensuring that Austin’s growth benefits everyone.
3. Champion Real Human Connections
In an age dominated by remote work and digital communication, Austin has an opportunity to lead by example in fostering in-person interactions. Events, conferences, and networking opportunities aren’t just professional perks—they’re lifelines for building trust, creativity, and collaboration.
As leaders in the community, it’s our job to create spaces where people can come together, share ideas, and form relationships. Technology may drive innovation, but human connection drives success. But we also must commit to showing up. We cannot thrive if our leaders are only visible at private / curated events or when they are asked to be on a panel or given an award.
4. Looking Beyond Central Texas
Austin alone is no longer the epicenter of “Tech” in Texas. The growth in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, College Station, etc… is placing the whole of Texas as a major contributor to the tech GDP in the United States. Home grown Texas companies and major HQ relocations to the Lone Star State will continue to outpace other regions in the years to come. The projections show Texas could surpass California economically in two decades. If our individual cities can learn to work together and share a commitment to innovation in the whole state, instead of competing, then we all will thrive.
5. Commit to Being Future-Looking
Austin’s strength has always been its ability to adapt. But the next wave of growth will require bold thinking and action. We must prioritize emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and clean energy while staying grounded in the values that make Austin unique: creativity, collaboration, and community.
Moving Into The Future
Austin has proven what’s possible when a community comes together, but now is the time to dream bigger. Let’s challenge ourselves to look beyond individual success stories and focus on what’s best for the entire city. Let’s work to ensure that everyone—from startups to established companies, from local nonprofits to global investors—feels they have a seat at the table.
The next chapter of Austin’s story isn’t written yet, but it’s up to us to decide what it will say. Let’s commit to “community, collaboration, and conversations”. Let’s embrace a “One Austin” mentality that sets the standard for what a thriving tech hub can be.
And for other communities hoping to grow their ecosystems, the same principles apply. Collaboration over competition. Community over ego. Vision over complacency.
The future belongs to those who build it. Let’s make sure Austin continues to lead the way.
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Thom Singer is the CEO at the Austin Technology Council. He is also a seasoned public speaker who has created an engaging presentation about “The History of Austin Tech“. If your local non-profit would like to hear about how Austin’s tech community grew over the past 60 years, contact Thom for more information. There is no cost for local non-profits who want to bring this conversation to their next meeting.