Loyola University Sponsors Jones Walker LLP: Latin American Law & Business Institute Conference
The event, themed “Reshaping Relationships Across the Americas,” included three days of 10 robust panels comprised of Jones Walker attorneys and esteemed local and international guests.
The Jones Walker 2023 Latin American Law and Business Institute Conference was held on October 2-4, 2023 at the New Orleans Four Seasons Hotel. Over a span of three days, panels covered topics such as global medicine, promoting US investment in Latin America, arbitration, tourism, energy, decarbonization, cross-border compliance, entrepreneurial innovation in New Orleans, and international partnerships.
New Orleans has always thrived entrepreneurially and small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit have long been a means of generating commerce in New Orleans. Loyola University's panel, "Positioning New Orleans as an Innovation Hub in the Americas", featured esteemed experts Gustavo Barboza, the Jack and Vada Reynolds Endowed Chair at Loyola University New Orleans moderated with panelists: David Audretsch, Ameritech Chair of Economic Development at Indiana University, Maksim Belitski, and Patrick Comer, local entrepreneur, investor, and chairman of the Clint Group. Together, they discussed the importance of developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem from the macro, regional, and local perspectives.
Audretsch provided a macro and policy perspective, leveraging his expertise in the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship and economic development. According to him, innovation sparks from passion, connection, and community commitment but demands more for sustainability. Successful regions like North Carolina, San Diego, and Austin showcase a winning formula: evolving leadership, educational institution involvement, and region-specific strategies steering clear of historical norms.
Dr. Belitski, delving into micro-level ecosystem building, outlined foundational pillars. Cultivating an entrepreneurial culture, establishing infrastructure, and creating systemic conditions like talent networks are crucial. However, he stressed the need for prioritization, recognizing that no city has all elements in place. Sustainable ecosystems thrive on complementary diversity—of people, ideas, and industries.
Fast-forward to the New Orleans tech ecosystem, now 15 years into its development. Recent successes, including Lucid's $2 billion sale, reflect progress. However, challenges loom in sustaining existing businesses amid fiscal crises and inflation. As a startup ecosystem pioneer, Comer sets a visionary goal—reinvesting to propel the next generation of businesses to new heights.
In positioning New Orleans as a hub for Latin American business, the panel advocates emulating successful international hubs like Dallas and Miami. Insights suggest fostering relationships, learning from others, and emphasizing bilingualism. Acknowledging New Orleans' potential, there's a call to bridge the bilingual gap, recognizing it as a competitive advantage on the global innovation stage.
This discourse unveils strategies for shaping vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems, offering a roadmap for communities aspiring to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of innovation and business.
Loyola University New Orleans and the Center for International Business thanks Jones Walker LLP for this opportunity with our co-sponsors Tulane University, Pan-American Life Insurance Group, and Ochsner Health.