Texas: Where the World Innovates

Texas is where liberty lives and businesses thrive. Recognized as the Best Business Climate in the nation by Business Facilities magazine, Texas has sustained dominance in economic development for well over a decade. That consistency is not accidental. It is the result of a deliberate commitment to policies that reward investments in innovation and growth. 

Texas offers a unique combination of competitive business advantages for industry leaders from across the country and around the world: a business-friendly climate — with no corporate or personal income tax — a highly skilled and diverse workforce, easy access to global markets, robust infrastructure and a reasonable regulatory environment. That is why Texas is the top state for business location and expansion projects and a top global destination for foreign direct investments. With a $2.7 trillion economy — making Texas the eighth-largest economy in the world — Texas is not just in the race for economic dominance, it’s setting the pace. 

It's clear: Texas will lead as a global economic powerhouse for decades to come. 

Texas is the New Frontier in Technological Advancements

As the number one high tech exporting state for 15 consecutive years, Texas’ high tech sector has long been a major player in the U.S. economy. And Texas is now poised to lead in new advanced technologies, notably artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers. 

Texas is home to one of the world’s largest data center markets in Dallas, and accelerating demand for AI solutions is driving unprecedented investment. Moreover, Texas leads the nation in cybersecurity, with the highest concentration of cyber and intelligence professionals outside of the nation’s capital in San Antonio. 

Businesses seeking strong tech talent, room to grow with fewer land use restrictions, faster permitting and lower energy costs continuously find Texas at the top of their shortlist. 

“Made in Texas” Is a Powerful Global Brand

For 24 consecutive years, Texas has been the number one exporting state in the nation and today ranks as the top exporting state to 95 countries. 

From computers, electronics and semiconductors to aerospace and aviation parts and components, and from heavy machinery to consumer goods, Texas is where today’s products are made and where tomorrow’s technologies are brought to life. Texas is a magnet for manufacturing as businesses are drawn to lower energy and land costs, faster permitting and fewer land use restrictions. Texas offers manufacturers room to grow. 

In Texas, advanced manufacturing is a future-focused sector fueled by automation, AI integration and supply chain innovation. 

From Wall Street to Y’all Street 

Texas now ranks number one in the U.S. for total financial services employment, surpassing that of New York. The announcement of the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) — expected to begin trading this year — along with NYSE Texas and regional headquarters for Nasdaq, signal a new chapter in financial markets. 

With 54 Fortune 500 headquarters, one in 10 publicly traded companies in the U.S. and more than 3.5 million small businesses, professional offices and corporate operations are drawn by the same fundamentals that attract manufacturers and technology firms: lower costs, regulatory clarity and access to a rapidly growing population and business base. 

Texas Powers America’s Economy

Energy is not just an industry in Texas. It is a part of the state's identity — and its responsibility. Texas ingenuity and innovation fuels America’s economic engine.

Thanks to an all-of-the-above and all-of-the-below energy strategy, Texas leads the nation in oil and gas production, wind-powered generation, utility-scale installed solar capacity and battery storage. In fact, Texas produces more energy than the next three states combined, providing nearly one-fourth of all domestically produced energy in the U.S. and is the number two state for liquid natural gas (LNG) exports. 

Texas is also rapidly advancing in hydrogen, carbon capture and small modular nuclear technologies. Texas’ leadership in the global energy evolution is fueling the state’s economy and securing the nation’s energy independence. 

Texas is a Leading Biotech Hub

Texas is a hub for research, development and production of scientific solutions and medical advancements. World-renowned research universities and medical institutions collaborate within a dynamic ecosystem that fosters groundbreaking research in life sciences and biotechnology. 

Entrepreneurs and established businesses alike continuously choose Texas — where products and technologies can advance through the full product lifecycle, from research, testing and trials to commercialization — all without leaving the state. 

Texas is the Nation’s Gateway to Global Trade

With 23 seaports, including 12 deepwater ports, as well as more miles of roadways, state highways, freight railways, airports and Foreign Trade Zones than any other state, Texas offers unmatched connectivity to individuals and businesses alike. The state is also home to Port Laredo, the number one international trade port in the U.S. and Port of Houston, the number one port in waterborne tonnage.

Texas’ central location within the U.S., robust transportation system and efficient logistics infrastructure have made the state one of the most globally connected locations in the world. Businesses are continuously turning to Texas to improve efficiencies to meet growing delivery speed expectations and supply chain demands. 

Texas Leads the Nation in Petroleum Refining and Petrochemicals

Texas has the most crude oil refineries and the largest refining capacity in the nation. Refineries across the state process more than six million barrels of crude oil per day — roughly one-third of the nation’s refining capacity. 

Beyond refining, Texas also ranks as the number one chemical producing state in the U.S. Texas’ petrochemical facilities supply products used to make pharmaceuticals, computers, transportation, infrastructure and other everyday items. 

With an abundance of natural resources and raw materials, along with a supportive regulatory environment, Texas’ output of chemicals, fuel and plastics underpin both domestic industry and global exports, forming the backbone of modern manufacturing supply chains. 

Texans Have Long Prospered from Resources Below the Land

Texas’ geography and abundant natural resources are critical to the development of the infrastructure of today and the new technologies of tomorrow. 

Metal mining supports high-tech, aerospace and defense industries essential to economic and national security. Nonmetal mining products are essential to construction and oil extraction. As supply chain resilience and domestic sourcing gain national attention, Texas’ resource base becomes even more strategically important. 

From foundational materials to advanced materials, Texas supports the full spectrum of industrial demand. 

Texas was Built on Cotton, Cattle and Crude 

Long before global trade headlines and technology corridors, Texas was feeding and fueling the nation. 

With large tracts of affordable land and a central geographic location, Texas remains a top state for farms, ranches and more. But today, Texas is far more sophisticated than its frontier origins. Texas processes and packages high-quality foods ranging from beef and poultry to beverages, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, snack foods, tortillas and more — serving both domestic and international markets. 

Robust infrastructure and easy access to global markets allow Texas producers to move products efficiently from rural communities to consumers across the nation and the world. 

“Texas is a State of Mind.” – John Steinbeck

Few phrases capture the Texas spirit better. 

Texas offers visitors rich cultural history and extraordinary diversity in experiences, events and vastly different landscapes. From the piney woods of East Texas to the deserts of West Texas, and from thriving urban city centers to coastal communities, the state’s geography and cultural range is grand.

Tourism plays a critical role in economic development, creating jobs and generating billions in economic activity. The state’s hospitality is a reflection of the undeniable Texas brand and identity, showcasing that Texas is open for business and open to the world. T&ID