Agenda
Texas-Europe Business Summit 2026
Access to Trade, Investment & Innovation
| 8:30am | Breakfast & Conference Registration |
| 9:00am | Welcome and Opening Remarks |
| 9:10am | Education Exchanges Panel |
| Bridging the Talent Gap: Aligning Higher Education with Transatlantic Workforce Needs As Texas, Europe, and Quebec compete for investment in advanced manufacturing, AI, energy, semiconductors, and life sciences, the defining differentiator is talent. This panel convenes leaders from higher education, industry, and economic development to explore how universities and employers can more tightly align education with evolving workforce demands across the transatlantic economy. Panelists will examine innovative models such as co-designed curricula, embedded internships and apprenticeships, credentialing, and cross-border research partnerships that accelerate workforce readiness. The discussion will also address how Texas is leveraging university–industry ecosystems to attract European and Quebecois investment and how global collaboration can strengthen long-term competitiveness. Attendees will leave with practical insights on building durable pipelines that meet both employer needs and student aspirations in a rapidly changing global economy. |
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| 10:05am | Remarks by Mr. Steven Jast, Head of Québec Government Office in Houston, TX |
| 10:25am | Transportation Panel: Connecting Texas and Europe via Québec |
| Québec hosts a strategic location and a dynamic business environment between Europe and Texas. The trade relationship linking Texas, Quebec, and Europe represents a powerful and often underappreciated economic corridor in the transatlantic economy, especially when considering research, innovation, manufacturing and developments of ground transportation. The panel will explore best practices across the three regions in electrification, in particular with regards to grid reliability. The panel will walk through best practices in greening and in micro-economic developments around public transportation hubs and EV charging stations. Finally, the panel will explore best practices in biking and ebiking infrastructures, especially biking trails. | |
| 11:00am | Innovation Trends in Europe: Aerospace |
| As the United States and Europe work to strengthen their own aerospace capabilities, new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth are emerging across the Atlantic. This panel will explore how aerospace is gaining traction in Texas, from launch capabilities and advanced manufacturing to 3D printing and cross-border partnerships. The discussion will examine where the industry is heading, how Europe’s evolving landscape is creating new momentum, and why Texas is becoming an important hub for future aerospace cooperation. | |
| 12:20pm | Lunch with Keynote by Director, Dr. Michael Mosser |
| Europe at the Crossroads: What Now (and What Next)? In 2026, Europe finds itself at one of the most pivotal moments in recent memory. While conflict continues to rage on the continent itself, the EU and its associated Member and partner states face myriad other challenges at home and abroad. It must find a way to help bring the war in Ukraine to an end, as well as keep the war in Iran from expanding into an uncontrollable morass. It must determine how to accommodate a resurgent America dedicated to reshaping the world according to its particular vision. Finally, it must figure out how to preserve democracy at home and avoid the democratic backsliding that threatens to undermine the Union from within, all while attempting to re-start European economic growth and re-establish the continent as a viable counterpoint to pure power geopolitics and geoeconomics. Join Dr. Mosser in what promises to be a stimulating conversation of these and other challenges facing Europe in 2026 and beyond. |
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| 2:00pm | Fireside Chat: The Role of Technology in National Security: The Power of Transatlantic Alliances |
| Advanced technologies like AI, quantum computing, cyber defense, and autonomous systems are reshaping national and collective security. Innovation is now the key to deterrence and operational superiority. | |
| 2:35pm | |
| This keynote examines how the United States and its EU and NATO allies are working together to harness these technologies against emerging threats. It highlights collaboration through NATO’s DIANA and Innovation Fund, and opportunities for Texas innovators to partner with European counterparts in AI, cybersecurity, space, and secure supply chains. | |
| 3:35pm | |
| Stronger U.S.-EU-NATO partnerships will ensure technological edge while protecting shared values | |
| 4:25pm | Closing remarks |
| 4:30pm | Reception & Global Impact Award Ceremony: |
| The World Affairs Council of Austin’s inaugural Global Impact Awards will be presented during the closing Texas-Europe Business Summit reception. The Global Impact Awards honor individuals and organizations in Central Texas who have made outstanding contributions to fostering international awareness, education, and diplomacy from the local level. The Awards aim to promote global engagement and highlight the region’s international footprint through education, storytelling, and service. Award categories: Ambassadorial Legacy, Global Educator, Emerging Global Leader, Global Author or Communicator, Civic Partner |
