What Does It Mean To Be A Tech Hub In 2025? — A New Era Of Innovation and Collaboration

When I moved to Austin, Texas, in 1991, the city was on the cusp of a transformation that would make it one of the world’s most talked-about technology hubs. Over the last three decades, I’ve watched with pride and fascination as Austin evolved from a quirky college town into a thriving ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. But what it meant to be a tech hub in the 1990s is very different from what it means today — and the pace of change is only accelerating.

In those early years, Austin was built by civic-minded entrepreneurs who shared a vision of creating a community. These were leaders who not only focused on building successful companies but also cared deeply about the city itself. They invested in local institutions, mentored young talent, and worked to make Austin a better place for everyone. That spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility was the foundation of Austin’s growth.

Today, the world looks very different. Many of the qualities that once defined a tech hub — local concentration, physical proximity, and a strong sense of community — have been disrupted by remote work, globalization, and the rapid pace of technological change. In 2025, you can launch a company from anywhere, scale it to thousands of employees, and never set foot in the city you call your headquarters. This begs the question: What does it truly mean to be part of a tech ecosystem in this new era?

The Changing Definition of a Tech Hub

The idea of a tech hub is no longer tied to geography in the way it once was. With cloud computing, virtual collaboration tools, and the rise of AI, the barriers to entry for launching a tech company have never been lower. A founder can live in a remote cabin and still lead a billion-dollar business. But does this kind of success contribute to the local ecosystem? If the employees, partners, and customers are scattered across the globe, what role does the “hub” play?

Austin has long been a symbol of what a tech hub could be — a place where entrepreneurs, investors, and talent come together to create something bigger than themselves. But we’re not alone. Cities like Nashville, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Columbus, Denver, and even Birmingham, Alabama, are building impressive tech ecosystems of their own. In Birmingham, for example, an emerging annual tech conference is attracting attention as they plan to grow the event year over year (like SXSW, it can take many years to create an annual event that draws people year over year). Even Bryan/College Station will be hosting their 2nd year of their Midway to the Future event! The rise of these new innovation centers challenges us to rethink what makes a tech hub successful.

I believe the term “tech hub” itself may be outdated. Instead, we should be talking about innovation centers — regions that foster collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared vision for solving the challenges of the future. While technology has made it possible to work from anywhere, the human element of connection remains irreplaceable. A true innovation center is one where people come together to share ideas, build trust, and create opportunities — not just for themselves, but for the community.

Collaboration Over Competition

One of the biggest shifts we need to make is moving from competition to collaboration. For decades, cities like Austin have competed to attract talent, capital, and businesses. But in a world that’s increasingly interconnected, this mindset is outdated. Instead of competing, we should be working together. Even within Texas it is time for Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and the rest of the state to unify in their economic development efforts. And this even goes beyond the borders of the state… What I’m talking about is a global movement for technology and innovation.

Through my work with the Austin Technology Council (ATC) and our involvement in TECNA (Technology Councils of North America), I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration across borders. These partnerships create opportunities for shared learning, cross-pollination of ideas, and collective problem-solving. Imagine what could happen if cities across Texas — and around the globe — embraced this approach. By working together, we can build ecosystems that are greater than the sum of their parts.

But collaboration doesn’t stop at the regional level. The changes we face today, from AI and quantum computing, to climate change to global supply chain disruptions, require solutions that transcend borders. Innovation hubs around the world need to be in conversation with one another, sharing insights and best practices. The future belongs to those who can think globally while acting locally.

The Decline of Local Events — and Why It Matters

One trend that worries me is the decline of local events, in-person networking, and community organizations. Many people have shifted to virtual gatherings or opted out of community events altogether. Many successful entrepreneurs will only attend events if they are on the panel or getting an award. And private curated peer-only events are taking the place of community gatherings. While technology and online access to everything and everyone has brought efficiency, there is still something to be said for serendipity. When we stop meeting face-to-face or with strangers, we limit the chance for more community, collaboration, and conversations.

Local events are more than just opportunities to exchange business cards — they’re where trust is built, relationships are forged, and big ideas are born. When people come together in person, they create a sense of community that simply can’t be replicated online. I believe strongly that we cannot just congregate with our pre-chosen peers, or we end up in a bubble.

We need to bring back the spirit of gathering — not just for professional gain, but for the human connection it fosters. Cities like Austin have long been known for their vibrant, collaborative cultures. If we want to continue thriving as innovation centers, we need to double down on what made us successful in the first place: people coming together to share ideas and support one another.

Building a New Kind of Leadership

To thrive in the years ahead, we need a new kind of leadership — one that values collaboration over ego, inclusivity over exclusivity, and long-term thinking over short-term gains. For too long, our culture has celebrated individual success stories while overlooking the importance of collective progress.

I hope the leaders of the future will be those who create opportunities for others, mentor the next generation, and invest in the communities they call home. They’ll understand that their success is tied to the success of the ecosystem around them. And they’ll prioritize connection — not just within their own cities, but across regions and industries.

Redefining Success

Being a tech hub in 2025 isn’t about having the most startups or the biggest IPOs. It’s about creating an environment where innovation can thrive — where people feel connected, supported, and inspired to solve the challenges of the future. It’s about collaboration, not competition; inclusivity, not exclusivity; and community, not isolation.

Austin has always been a city of dreamers and doers. As we move into this next phase of innovation, let’s lead by example. Let’s show the world what’s possible when people come together — not just within their own cities, but across borders, industries, and perspectives. The future is ours to create, and I can’t wait to see what we build together.

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Thom Singer, CSP, is a professional keynote speaker and the CEO at the Austin Technology Council.