America’s long-term economic strength, global competitiveness, and national security depend on smart, forward-looking public policies that empower U.S. businesses to lead, innovate, and thrive. Today, that imperative is more urgent than ever. Geopolitical rivalries are deepening, global trade is rapidly shifting, and technologies like artificial intelligence are redrawing the boundaries of economic leadership.
The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin is responding to this moment by launching the LBJ Business Policy Forum. This six-event series, led by Dilawar Syed, will take place throughout the 2026–27 academic year and will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, technologists, and policymakers on campus for high-impact discussions on urgent policy issues and challenges facing American business today.
Free and open to students, faculty, business executives, policymakers, and the community at large!
RSVP to the Upcoming Event Series:
October 28:
AI & Humanity
A Public Policy Agenda for U.S. Innovation, Safety, & Security
Doors open at 4:00 pm
December 2:
A New Social Contract for the AI Economy
Creating pathways to skills, mobility, and economic security in the age of AI
Doors open at 4:00 pm
February 11:
The Silver Tsunami and the Future of U.S. Small Business
Managing a historic generational transfer of small-business ownership and its implications for workers, communities, and the economy
Doors open at 4:00 pm
April TBD:
U.S. Competitiveness and the Future of Trade
Navigating supply chains and economic interdependence in an era of tariffs
Doors open at 4:00 pm