UMD, Morgan State Host “Competitiveness Conversations Across America: Unlocking American Innovation in the AI and Quantum Era”

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - On March 23–24, 2026, national leaders from industry, academia, labor, frontier research enterprises, and government convened in Maryland for a landmark edition of the “Competitiveness Conversations Across America” series to confront the opportunities — and responsibilities — of leading the AI and quantum era.

Featuring a keynote address by Governor Wes Moore and co-hosted by the University of Maryland, Morgan State University and the Council on Competitiveness, the two-day gathering showcased Maryland as a living laboratory for place-making innovation. From world-class research universities and federal laboratories to pioneering startups and global technology firms, Maryland is demonstrating how collaboration across sectors and institutions can translate breakthrough science into national advantage.

“This convening highlights the extraordinary strength of Maryland’s innovation ecosystem and the critical role our region plays in advancing U.S. competitiveness," said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines. "By bringing together leaders across academia, government and industry, we are not only exploring the transformative potential of AI, quantum and advanced computing—we are building the partnerships and strategies needed to translate these technologies into impact for our economy, our security and our society.”

Featured topics and event highlights included:

• Exploring Maryland’s role as a hub for AI and quantum innovation, leveraging its top research institutions, like UMD, in shaping the nation’s economic future
• Discussing the intersection of AI, quantum and national security, and how to scale advancements and strengthen global capabilities
• Creating the future of work by focusing on talent development, building a diverse and highly-skilled workforce prepared for emerging technology fields. 
• Panel sessions featuring thought leaders, including IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi, QLab director Dr. Norbert Linke, Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence Security (ARLIS) executive director John Beieler, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) director James Kushmerick, and more.

“Morgan State University is proud to help convene this critical dialogue at a moment when the convergence of artificial intelligence and quantum science is reshaping our global future,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, we are deeply committed to advancing innovation that is both transformative and inclusive, ensuring that diverse talent is prepared to lead in these emerging fields. Through collaborations like this, the focus is directed on groundbreaking discovery while strengthening the pathways that connect research, workforce development and national competitiveness for the benefit of our society.”

“Maryland shows how a region—through the alignment of strategy, policy, and resources—can turn world-class research from anchor institutions like the University of Maryland, College Park and Morgan State University into real-world impact, particularly in AI and quantum technologies,” said Deborah L. Wince-Smith, President and CEO, Council on Competitiveness. “As the Council celebrates its 40th year, we will point to Maryland as a powerful example of place-making innovation, and a model for achieving the ambitious 10X goals of our National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontiers.”

Maryland stands at the forefront of AI and quantum leadership, powered by the University of Maryland and a world-class network that unites cutting-edge research, national policymakers and a rapidly expanding industry. The two-day conference illustrated how this collaborative environment serves as a model for translating breakthrough science into economic and national advantage.

For more information on the event, please visit https://compete.org/maryland-competitiveness-conversation/

About the Council on Competitiveness

For 40 years, the Council on Competitiveness (Council) has championed a competitiveness agenda for the United States to attract investment and talent, and spur the commercialization of new ideas. While the players may have changed since its founding in 1986, the mission remains as vital as ever—to enhance U.S. productivity and raise the standard of living for all Americans.

The members of the Council—CEOs, university presidents, labor leaders and national laboratory directors—represent a powerful, nonpartisan voice that sets aside politics and seeks results. By providing real-world perspective to Washington policymakers, the Council’s private sector network makes an impact on decision-making across a broad spectrum of issues—from the cutting-edge of science and technology, to the democratization of innovation, to the shift from energy weakness to strength that supports the growing renaissance in U.S. manufacturing.The Council’s leadership group firmly believes that with the right policies, the strengths and potential of the U.S. economy far outweigh the current challenges the nation faces on the path to higher growth and greater opportunity for all Americans.

About Morgan State University

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master’s degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.