On July 11, 2024, at the National Governors Association 2024 Summer Meeting, the role of governors in enhancing American competitiveness took center stage. 

With a focus on collaboration and bipartisanship, governors are working to address pressing issues that influence the nation’s economic landscape. This article explores key themes from the recent discussions that featured insights from notable governors and WGU President Scott Pulsipher, emphasizing the critical contributions of state leaders in driving progress across various sectors.

Opening Remarks by Scott Pulsipher

President Pulsipher opened the discussion by stressing the importance of bipartisan collaboration among governors. He stated, “WGU owes, in fact, its very existence to that bipartisanship,” highlighting how the university was founded by governors to address educational gaps that impact economic growth.

Pulsipher elaborated on the founding story of WGU, recounting how 19 governors came together to create an institution that focused on “leveraging the internet and competency-based education to extend access to high-quality education.” This initiative was a response to the challenges of access, quality, and cost in higher education, aimed at enhancing the healthy competitiveness of states.

He noted, “American competitiveness is rooted in our capacity for collaboration and a commitment to developing human capital.” This statement underscores the idea that states must invest in shared resources, such as education and infrastructure, to ensure a competitive edge globally. Pulsipher also recognized the importance of state policies that foster business-friendly environments, which are crucial for attracting new industries and supporting innovation.

The Role of Governors in Economic Development

Governors play a vital role in shaping economic development strategies that enhance their state’s competitiveness. During the conference, Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon shared insights on how state leadership can drive economic initiatives. They focused on:

• Investment in infrastructure
• Collaboration on public health initiatives
• Support for clean energy projects
• Enhancing workforce development

Gov. Green discussed the challenges faced by Hawaii in the aftermath of devastating wildfires, stating, “It was the collaboration that helped us get through what happened.” He emphasized the need for effective communication and cooperation among governors to navigate crises and implement recovery strategies.

Education and Workforce Development

Education is a cornerstone of American competitiveness. Both governors highlighted the need for robust workforce development programs that align with industry demands. Pulsipher noted, “It’s hard to imagine a world in which the U.S. remains competitive globally if we fail to co-invest in education and workforce skills.”

Gov. Gordon added, “The competitiveness is right there for us. We can be outcompeted by all kinds of other communities, states, and nations.” He stressed the importance of adapting education systems to prepare individuals for emerging job markets, particularly in technology and renewable energy sectors.

Several innovative approaches to education were discussed, including:

• Competency-based education models
• Apprenticeships and vocational training
• Collaboration between higher education institutions and industries

These strategies aim to provide students with practical skills while addressing workforce shortages in critical areas like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Gov. Green noted the impact of educational initiatives on public health, stating, “If people don’t have to worry about early disease states, they can be way more productive.”

Public Health as a Component of Competetiveness

Public health is intricately linked to economic competitiveness. Gov. Green, who has a background in medicine, highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being in driving productivity. “An ailing and sick country does not lead to a strong and resilient country,” Pulsipher reminded.

Both governors recognized the need for comprehensive health strategies that address social determinants of health, such as housing and access to healthcare services. They emphasized that improving public health outcomes can lead to a more productive workforce, ultimately benefiting the economy.

Some of the key health initiatives discussed included:

• Addressing mental health challenges
• Investing in preventive care
• Improving access to healthcare services

Gov. Green shared his experience with disaster recovery and the importance of mental health support for affected communities, stating, “It was invaluable to hear from friends that are governors about better strategies to recover.”

Energy and Environmental Strategies

Energy policy is another critical area where governors are making significant contributions. Gov. Gordon emphasized the importance of an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, which includes investing in renewable energy sources and modernizing infrastructure.

He noted, “If we’re going to continue to be economically competitive, we’re going to have to do that with energy.” This statement reflects the need for a balanced approach to energy production that considers environmental sustainability while ensuring energy security.

Energy policy is another critical area where governors are making significant contributions. Gov. Gordon emphasized the importance of an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, which includes investing in renewable energy sources and modernizing infrastructure.

He noted, “If we’re going to continue to be economically competitive, we’re going to have to do that with energy.” This statement reflects the need for a balanced approach to energy production that considers environmental sustainability while ensuring energy security.

The governors discussed several collaborative energy initiatives, including:

• Decarbonizing the energy grid
• Investing in nuclear energy technologies
• Developing renewable energy resources

Gov. Green also pointed out the significance of creating partnerships among states to advance energy projects, stating, “I could easily see with the explosion of AI that new partnerships will be formed between many states.” This collaborative approach is essential for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and energy demands.

Cybersecurity and National Defense

As the conversation shifted to cybersecurity, both governors acknowledged the growing threats posed by cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. Gov. Gordon, who serves on the Council of Governors, emphasized the importance of a united front in addressing cybersecurity challenges.

He stated, “Cybersecurity is going to be one of our biggest issues.” This recognition highlights the need for governors to work closely with federal agencies to enhance cybersecurity measures and protect critical infrastructure.

Several strategies for enhancing cybersecurity were discussed, including:

• Improving communication among states
• Developing collaborative frameworks with federal agencies
• Investing in cybersecurity training for state employees

Gov. Green added that effective cybersecurity measures are essential for maintaining public trust, stating, “We don’t have the bandwidth anymore to disagree badly; we have too much work to do on too many meaningful topics.” This sentiment emphasizes the urgency of addressing cybersecurity as a critical component of national defense.

Pulsipher added that WGU is focusing on cybersecurity. The bachelor’s in cybersecurity is one of the largest programs at the university, now enrolling nearly 30,000 students. The WGU School of Technology broadly is now the largest school at WGU.

The Path Forward

The discussions among the governors highlighted the pivotal role they play in driving American competitiveness. Through collaboration, innovative education strategies, and comprehensive health and energy policies, governors are addressing the challenges that impact their states and the nation as a whole.

As they continue to work together across party lines, the collective efforts of governors will be essential in shaping a more competitive and resilient America. By focusing on shared goals and leveraging their unique strengths, governors can ensure that their states thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape.