By: Mark Wilson, President, Florida Chamber of Commerce & Foundation
The Florida Chamber Foundation’s mission to unite the business community for good to make Florida a top 10 global economy by 2030 remains unwavering, and at the 7-year countdown mark, strategic investments in the future of Florida are vital on that journey. It’s time to make bolder moves.
As we continue to lead the nation in business start-ups and net income migration, welcoming $4.48 million per hour according to TheFloridaScorecard.org, the conversation around making Florida an international hub for tech and innovation must be at the forefront. With a growing population, workforce, business landscape, economy, and global competition, our approach to the global top 10 must evolve. Thinking ahead, and innovatively, will move Florida forward.
The Florida 2030 Blueprint identifies several goals to make Florida more competitive in the tech and innovation space, some of which include ensuring Florida becomes…
- A top 5 state for manufacturing jobs (currently #11, behind Georgia)
- Top 3 state for technology jobs (currently #4, behind New York)
- #1 state for business startups (currently #1 – goal met)
- Top 3 state for venture capital investments (currently #7, behind Washington)
- Top 3 state for research and development funding (currently #41)
- Top 3 state for patents issued (currently #10, behind Pennsylvania)
The rankings above provided on TheFloridascorecard.org.
As we can see above, Florida is closing the gaps in many areas but still has to focus on closing the gaps. This is why we need your voice and ear in the conversations that matter to advancing Florida’s businesses, communities, workforce, and economy through tech and innovation.
I would like to personally invite you to join me, in person or virtually, at the 2023 Florida Technology & Innovation Solution Summit on August 31 in Orlando. At the Solution Summit, we will showcase the cool things happening in Florida and how your business peers and leaders in tech and innovation are scaling and leveraging innovative solutions for long-term success and to grow Florida.
Be sure to register today using promo code FDN2023 for 10% off in-person or virtual registration.
Click here to view our agenda and register.
Click here to book your accommodations by August 4 to take advantage of our special hotel group rate.
I look forward to connecting with you soon in this very important conversation for the future of Florida.
My best,
Mark