Mediaboss Marketing

Utah unemployment quadrupled over the past two months as the latest jobs report shows 1 in 10 Utahns are out of work. People are beginning to realize just how much damage the government shutdown of our economy has done. The road ahead is challenging and Utah needs a bold vision that aims to do more than just get us back to normal.

The worst thing we can do is think small.

By seizing opportunities in three emerging economic sectors, we can double our economy, create hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs and develop products and technologies that will improve the lives of people across our state while fortifying our economy against future threats.

Utah is positioned to become a global leader in the biotechnology sector. Our universities lead the nation in converting their research and technology into businesses and products, but there is so much more we can do. Positioned correctly, Utah can:

By building the biotech industry, we can strengthen our economy while playing an essential role in preventing future pandemics.

The talent flowing in and out of Utahs military installations is a significantly underutilized resource. Utah is primed to lead in developing defense technology including cybersecurity, quantum computing, neuro-synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, microsatellites and other next-generation warfare. This initiative will focus on:

This initiative will require a thoughtful strategy and skilled diplomacy to bring together the federal government and private industry. Utah must play a more substantive role in this industry to benefit the areas near our key military installations and the entire state.

Capital is the lifeblood of any economy and its a coward. We should seek to make Utah the ultimate safe-haven destination for this sensitive industry. As our economy has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, banks are tightening lending standards and investment capital is looking for a secure place to land.

Utah should create an ecosystem of investors, financial institutions, professional services firms, policymakers and technological innovators committed to making Utah a global leader. Heres how we get started:

In the coming years, Utah can create new businesses and products while attracting investment looking for the best place to grow. Whats in it for Utahns? More than doubling our states GDP from $180 billion to $500 billion, higher-paying jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. Most importantly, our children and grandchildren will be able to build successful careers and fulfilling lives right here at home, instead of having to look for opportunities elsewhere.

Our states potential is unlimited. Utah has long been known as the Crossroads of the West our goal should be to become the Crossroads of the World. Lets get to work.

Jon Huntsman Jr. is a Republican candidate for Utah governor.

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Jon Huntsman Jr.: The worst thing Utah can do is think small - Deseret News