Illinois has a unique opportunity to lead the next wave of economic transformation, and business, government, and higher education will all play a role in determining whether the state capitalizes on it. At Powering the Transformation: How Illinois is Building the Next Economy, leaders from the University of Illinois System and Discovery Partners Institute discussed how Illinois can build on its strengths in talent, innovation, artificial intelligence, energy, quantum science, and healthcare to remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
A central theme of the discussion was that the technologies shaping the future are already emerging today. President Tim Killeen pointed to advances in sustainability and resource management as major drivers of economic growth. “If you think about what the next economy looks like, we know it’s going to be driven by technologies that are emerging, especially technologies leading the green economy as we learn to live in a world with finite resources.”
Panelists emphasized that talent development remains one of Illinois’ greatest assets. As businesses adapt to technological change, universities are being challenged to create new pathways that connect students and working professionals with evolving workforce needs. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Charles Isbell, Jr. highlighted the importance of understanding what motivates today’s workforce and aligning educational opportunities with those priorities. “If you want to bring those people in, you have to meet them where they are,” he said, noting that younger generations increasingly seek careers that combine technical skills with long-term purpose and impact.
Artificial intelligence was another major focus of the conversation. While the technology has generated significant excitement, speakers encouraged business leaders to think beyond short-term trends and focus on long-term transformation. Isbell invoked Amara’s Law, reminding attendees that “We always overestimate the short-term impact of technology, and underestimate the long-term impact.”
At the same time, panelists stressed that Illinois has an opportunity to become a leader in responsible AI development. Gene Robinson, Executive Director and CEO of Discovery Partners Institute, said Chicago is well-positioned to help shape AI systems that earn public trust and deliver meaningful benefits. “We have a great opportunity, here in Chicago, to lead in the development of responsible AI. AI that’s transparent. AI that is, above all, trustworthy and can be a force for good.”
The discussion also underscored the importance of the infrastructure behind future growth. University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet Gooch highlighted the role of workforce development and lifelong learning in preparing Illinoisans for a rapidly changing economy, while University of Illinois Chicago‘s Dr. Robert Klie discussed advances in energy storage, grid reliability, quantum science, microelectronics, and advanced materials that could help power future industries. Together with the perspectives of President Tim Killeen, Chancellor Charles Isbell, and Gene Robinson, the conversation described a series of interconnected opportunities that could position Illinois as a leader in innovation and economic growth. Taken together, the discussion offered an optimistic vision of a state with the talent, research capacity, and partnerships needed to lead in the industries of the future.
