By Steve Beaman
America has always thrived on innovation, competition, and the boundless spirit of enterprise. Our history is a testament to what happens when we embrace the future with confidence, invest in our people, and trust in the power of free markets. As we stand at the crossroads of a rapidly changing global economy, we must recognize that lasting prosperity will not come from closing ourselves off but from engaging with the world on our terms—proud, strong, and forward-looking.
The past few years have reignited debates over tariffs and protectionist policies. While the intention behind these measures was to protect American jobs and industries, the reality has been more complicated. Yes, some sectors may have seen short-term benefits, but overall, tariffs have driven up costs for consumers, disrupted supply chains, and triggered retaliation from trading partners. And all this is happening against the backdrop of an even greater economic shift—the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and the digital revolution. These forces are reshaping the global marketplace in ways that tariffs and trade barriers simply cannot address.
The digital economy has torn down traditional borders, allowing businesses to reach customers around the world with the click of a button. American companies lead the way in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, but to maintain that leadership, we must adapt. That means ensuring that our policies reflect the realities of the modern economy. Trade restrictions that once made sense in an industrial age can now do more harm than good, making it harder for businesses to compete and grow. If we want to secure long-term economic success, we must resist the temptation to retreat behind protectionist walls and instead embrace a strategy that fosters collaboration, investment, and innovation.
But embracing the future doesn’t mean leaving American workers behind. Quite the opposite. The true key to sustainable growth lies not in shielding industries from competition, but in preparing our workforce for the opportunities of tomorrow. That means investing in education, retraining, and skills development, ensuring that workers across all sectors have the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly automated and AI-driven economy. Our schools must prioritize not only STEM education but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills that will be essential no matter how technology evolves.
At the same time, we must create an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish. That means reducing red tape, encouraging investment in research and development, and ensuring that small businesses and startups have access to the capital they need to turn ideas into reality. America has never been a nation that waits for the future to happen to us—we lead the way. And to do that now, we must build an economy that rewards ingenuity, supports risk-takers, and fosters competition.
Looking ahead, we face three possible futures. One is a world where nations turn inward, embracing protectionism and trade wars that stifle growth and innovation. Another is a hybrid model, where some countries cooperate while others remain closed off, leading to economic uncertainty and fragmentation. But the most promising path—the one that has always fueled American success—is one of bold leadership, international cooperation, and a relentless commitment to technological progress. This path requires us to work with our allies, modernize trade agreements to reflect the realities of the digital economy, and lead the way in setting global standards for AI, cybersecurity, and cross-border commerce. It requires reforms to institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO), ensuring that global trade rules work for the modern economy rather than against it.
Most importantly, it requires us to believe in the principles that made America an economic powerhouse in the first place: free enterprise, fair competition, and the unshakable belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. The challenges ahead are real, but so are the opportunities. If we choose wisely—investing in our workforce, embracing innovation, and strengthening our partnerships—there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Steve Beaman is the chairman and CEO of Elevare Technologies, a VaaS company providing digital solutions to businesses.
