?? The Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine: A Must-Succeed Initiative ???

I know I’ve been pretty active posting lately but I’ll dial it back after next week’s event…But today, I had the privilege of hearing ASU President Michael Crow speak at the launch ?? of the NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE) —an effort with the potential to reshape our region and economy. Crow reminded us of a long history of innovation that has been seeded over generations, from Roosevelt's era to Truman's actualization, leading us to this moment. Big shout out to Brian Sherman and the SWSIE team; Gary, Peter, Scott, and many others - check out the full leadership team here: https://swsie.asu.edu/leadership-team/

This is not just an ordinary project. It’s taking on the most ambitious challenge(s) for our region—an engine that will drive new economic outcomes and egalitarian enhancements. It will harness the power of partnerships across universities in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and beyond, advancing a future where innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship converge - “The Golden Triangle” if you will.

For more than 60 years, the National Science Foundation (NSF) hasn’t undertaken something this important. This engine requires multidisciplinary collaboration, collective action, and, above all, unwavering commitment. Mayor Gallego's poignant words cut through any doubt about why the Engine is so important: "We have people dying on the street." That raw reality underscores the urgency of this mission when talking about extreme heat and other impacts.

President Crow made it clear: this is not business as usual. We are advancing solutions that must lead to better outcomes—building a future-proof economy to ensure the livability of generations. "This engine is one of ten across the nation, this may be the most difficult one, but we’ve been called on to make this one succeed."

This isn’t just about energy, it’s about people, time, talent, and bipartisan effort. Together, we must shift our mindset, and look through a lens of sustainability, widening the aperture, while taking bold action. Time to pull up the bootstraps and seed a sustainable economy— Failure is not an option.

Rise to the occasion, fuel the engine, and embody the change. The climate will respond accordingly to our pro-actions. ????

#SouthwestSustainability #InnovationEngine #FutureProofEconomy #Sustainability #ASU #CollectiveAction #NSF #SWSIE