“A little competition is always healthy,” Kat Saunders, a leading strategist from Economic Leadership, LLC, declared as she opened the second annual Tech Nebraska Summit in Omaha. Saunders captured the 300 attendees’ attention by revealing Nebraska’s tech and innovation rankings in comparison to the rest of the nation. While the state excels in areas like business climate, ranking 7th, and startup early job creation, ranked 14th, it faces challenges in venture capital funding, where it stands at 25th, and in the early survival rate of startups, coming in at 49th.
Drawing on insights from working with both thriving and struggling states, Kat painted a clear picture of Nebraska’s potential. She emphasized that while some tech hubs emerge organically, most successful regions are the result of deliberate and well-executed strategies. She underscored the importance of strategic, coordinated efforts between cities, regions, and the state to elevate Nebraska’s tech reputation and competitiveness.
Following Saunders’ presentation, Bryan Slone, President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, joined her on stage to explore how Nebraska could evolve into a vibrant tech hub based on the insights she had just shared. Slone set the tone for the conversation with a compelling statement: “It’s not about wins and losses in the legislature,” he said. “It’s about whether we did something this week to create a better environment for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive.”
Saunders built on this, drawing lessons from states like North Carolina and Utah, which have seen immense success in the tech sector by being intentional and strategic. They meticulously mapped their assets, identified gaps, and laser-focused on high-impact initiatives. Utah, for instance, capitalized on tech opportunities during the pandemic, while Nebraska’s strength lay in manufacturing—a reminder that playing to your strengths is vital.
The conversation then shifted to Nebraska’s unique assets, from world-class bioscience research at UNMC to defense technology resources at Offutt Air Force Base. Slone acknowledged Nebraska’s rich portfolio but stressed that prioritization is key. “We have so many promising sectors, but we can’t do everything at once,” he noted. Saunders agreed, emphasizing the danger of trying to spread efforts too thin: “Momentum starts when you focus on a few areas first.”
One of the most urgent challenges, both agreed, is attracting and retaining future talent. “It’s hard to get students excited about something they can’t see,” Saunders remarked, pushing for a more tangible, inspiring vision of Nebraska’s tech ecosystem. Leaders must showcase the state’s tech resources in a way that makes young people say, “I want to be part of that.”
Saunders also stressed the importance of long-term thinking—strategies that outlast political cycles and leadership terms. “Regions that win are those that stay the course, even when it’s unpopular,” she said, urging Nebraska to think about its 20-year vision and adopt a forward-thinking approach as it lays the foundation for tech success in the state.
The role of leadership emerged as a recurring theme. Slone highlighted the need for C-suite executives to engage deeply, not just through funding but by actively championing tech careers and empowering teams. As Saunders pointed out, it’s the local leaders who can ensure Nebraska’s tech strategy doesn’t just sit on a shelf but translates into real-world impact.
Slone and Saunders painted a future where innovation is fostered from big cities to small towns. Whether in bustling Omaha or quaint Chadron, the potential for Nebraska to become a tech powerhouse depends on statewide efforts to nurture talent and drive entrepreneurial growth. Yet, Saunders warned that this won’t happen without more support for startups, which often struggle in their early years. By borrowing ideas from other states’ advisory committees for new ventures, Nebraska could transform its startup ecosystem.
Ultimately, building Nebraska’s tech future will require embracing aggressive economic strategies, incentivizing R&D, and driving investment into sectors like agriculture, engineering, and healthcare. The competition is fierce, but as Saunders and Slone reminded attendees, intentionality, collaboration, and strategic focus will help Nebraska chart a path to national tech prominence.
Economic Leadership’s full research report, including state rankings and policy recommendations, will be released by The NE Chamber Foundation in early 2025, but the initial message is clear: Nebraska has the potential to be extraordinary. But it will take bold leadership and a united effort to bring that vision to life.
