Healthy Skepticism

September 12, 2016

“On the road from the City of Skepticism, I had to pass through the Valley of Ambiguity.”
-Adam Smith

We know that we can’t believe everything we read or hear, especially in the internet age. But, as in all things, sometimes we could use a reminder.

To listen to the most skeptical would lead us to believe that economic competition is simply a race to the bottom and that technology and robotics will replace us all. The truth is that every revolution brings new technologies and worries about economic disruption. We are in the early innings of a massive shift in demographics, technology and economic development, and it can sometimes be difficult to see its positive aspects.

Four articles gave me a dose of optimism and some perspective about our economic opportunities:

  • The United States is poised to become a more diverse country based on the makeup of the millennial generation, something that will make us more competitive, not less.
  • Countries and people that live in countries that are part of major supply chains, like Mexico, will continue to become more advanced and at the same time generate wealth and jobs in the United States. See this informative LA Times article.
  • Will technologies like blockchain bring more trust and security to our global financial system and address economic equality?
  • Robots and artificial intelligence may generate more jobs than they replace.

Fear not, be skeptical of the skeptics and push on! Let’s have a great week.

-Kenny McDonald

One Columbus Update

  • Last week, Bell Incorporated, one of the largest independent folding carton companies in North America, held a ribbon cutting to commemorate the opening of its new facility. Congratulations to Bell and the City of Groveport.
  • This week, the One Columbus team is in New York to meet with companies and in St. Louis to attend the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association 2016 Conference. Back at home, our team is hosting companies considering the Columbus Region.