Chamber Business NewsPhoenix has emerged as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and technology investment, but sustaining that momentum will require more than attracting new companies and creating jobs.
That was a central message from business, government and academic leaders who gathered in Phoenix recently to discuss how innovation, collaboration, and community-driven solutions can translate economic growth into lasting opportunity.
The Oct. 16 discussion was part of the national Community Futures Challenge Innovation Tour, an initiative of PMI U.S. designed to spotlight innovative approaches to addressing local challenges.
Participants included Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson, Arizona State University professor and former National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington and Black Chamber of Arizona President and CEO Velma Trayham.
Phoenix residents optimistic about innovation
The discussion coincided with the release of new Harris Poll research commissioned by PMI U.S. that found considerable optimism among Phoenix residents about their community’s ability to shape its economic future.
According to the survey, 83% of Phoenix residents believe America’s next chapter will depend on ideas emerging from communities across the country, rather than exclusively from established centers of influence and innovation.
Another 77% believe Phoenix is actively working to solve local problems, while 54% see improving opportunities for younger generations.
But residents also recognize that promising ideas require resources and sustained support to succeed.
The survey found that 88% consider long-term commitments from partners essential for communities to thrive, while an equal percentage identified funding and investment as critical. Another 86% pointed to access to tools, technology and expertise.
Those findings helped frame a conversation about how Phoenix can capitalize on its growing prominence in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing while ensuring that economic opportunities extend throughout the community.
“We want innovation to be driven by our community for our community, and want our community to feel the benefits,” Gallego said.
Partnerships drive economic development
Watson emphasized that Arizona’s economic development success depends on cooperation among businesses, educational institutions, government and community organizations.
“Economic development is not done in isolation. It is done with partners,” Watson said. “It’s done with communities. It’s done with our universities, elected officials. I mean, everyone plays a role.”
Panchanathan, who serves as University Professor of Technology and Innovation and Foundation Chair in Computing and Augmented Intelligence at ASU, echoed that message, emphasizing the importance of close relationships between higher education and the private sector.
“University and industry need to cohabitate together, work together, co-create together, co-design together, and co-deliver together,” he said.
The discussion highlighted the importance of connecting education and workforce development programs with the needs of emerging industries.
Gallego pointed to apprenticeship opportunities associated with the semiconductor industry as an example of how major investments can create pathways to careers and economic mobility for Arizona residents.
Speakers also emphasized that the region’s continued growth will depend on addressing challenges that affect its competitiveness and quality of life, particularly housing affordability and long-term water security.
Housing and workforce needs are economic development priorities
Hodge Washington argued that housing must be treated as an integral part of economic development strategy, particularly as Phoenix works to attract and retain workers.
“Housing is not separate from economic development. Housing is a key part of economic development,” she said. “Until we start looking at housing as part of economic development, we are always going to be a little bit behind.”
The vice mayor highlighted city initiatives focused on attainable housing, housing stability and eviction assistance.
National initiative supports community-driven solutions
The Phoenix event also highlighted the Community Futures Challenge, a national initiative that will award five $50,000 grants to nonprofit organizations developing practical, scalable solutions to challenges facing their communities.
Arizona State University is the initiative’s official judging partner, with Panchanathan serving as chair of the judging panel.
Trayham, who also serves as a judge, said communities often possess the ideas and entrepreneurial talent needed to solve problems but lack the resources to put those ideas into action.
“The talent and innovation needed to shape America’s future already exist in communities across the country,” Trayham said. “What is often missing is access to capital, strategic relationships, and the resources to turn promising ideas into lasting impact.”
She said the challenge offers an opportunity to identify community-driven solutions with the leadership and execution strategies necessary to produce measurable results.
Jody Sunna, chief communications officer of PMI U.S., said successful innovation must ultimately deliver tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.
“People want to see innovation when it solves everyday problems, and they want companies and partners who are going to help make that a reality in their day-to-day lives,” Sunna said.
As Arizona continues to attract investment in advanced industries, speakers emphasized that its long-term success will depend on translating that momentum into accessible career opportunities, stronger communities and improvements in quality of life.
More information about the Community Futures Challenge is available at America250CFC.org.
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