SAN ANTONIO — Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has announced the formation of an Economic Security Advisory Group to help position San Antonio as a hub for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, and space manufacturing.
The panel, which includes 11 members from industry and former military leadership, will advise the city on attracting companies, growing existing industries, and guiding potential infrastructure and economic development projects. Jim Perschbach, president and CEO of Port San Antonio, will chair the group. Other notable members include Adam Hamilton of Southwest Research Institute and Dr. Larry Schlesinger of Texas Biomed.
“These are foundational technologies and growing sectors that will be needed to power the global economy, and San Antonio will lead the way,” Jones said during a Monday news conference. She emphasized that advancements in these sectors extend beyond defense, impacting public health, medical research, education, and communications.
The advisory group is expected to meet quarterly and provide guidance on projects that could be included in a future city bond measure, as well as strategies to structure economic agreements to encourage development.
Jones will also travel to Taiwan on March 14, accompanied by District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears and several advisory group members. The week-long trip will include meetings with government officials, the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, and attendance at the Smart City Summit & Expo, Asia’s largest event on using technology and data for sustainable urban development.
“You can’t talk about the future of advanced manufacturing without talking about Taiwan,” Jones said, underscoring the city’s goal of strengthening international ties to advance San Antonio’s technology sector.
