In a recent address to Maryland’s business community, Governor Wes Moore urged leaders to “take big bets” in 2026, calling for bold investments to shift the state’s economy away from its traditional reliance on education, federal government, and healthcare sectors-often dubbed the “eds, feds, and meds.” Speaking at a Maryland Matters event, Moore emphasized the need for strategic risk-taking to diversify the economic landscape, foster innovation, and create new opportunities for growth across the state.
Moore Urges Business Leaders to Embrace Bold Investments in 2026
In a recent call to action, Moore challenged business executives to abandon cautious approaches and instead embrace bold, transformative investments throughout 2026. He emphasized the urgency of pivoting the economy away from its current dependence on educational services, federal support, and healthcare sectors-often dubbed the “eds, feds, and meds”-and towards industries that drive innovation and long-term growth. Moore underscored the need for courageous leadership willing to “take big bets” on emerging technologies, infrastructure projects, and workforce development initiatives that could position Maryland as a competitive hub in an evolving global economy.
Moore outlined a strategic roadmap highlighting key sectors ripe for investment, calling on business leaders to focus on:
- Advanced manufacturing to rejuvenate job creation and productivity.
- Green energy technologies to capitalize on sustainability trends and environmental grants.
- Digital innovation hubs that foster startups and scale-ups through public-private partnerships.
| Sector | Investment Focus | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Manufacturing | Automation & Robotics | High-wage Jobs |
| Green Energy | Solar & Wind Infrastructure | Carbon Footprint Reduction |
| Digital Innovation | Startup Accelerators | Economic Diversification |
Shifting Focus from Education, Federal Funding, and Healthcare to Drive Economic Growth
The call to redirect economic momentum beyond Maryland’s traditional pillars-education, federal funding, and healthcare-reflects a bold strategy to ignite broader growth opportunities. Business leaders are encouraged to adopt a mindset of innovation and risk-taking, embracing sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and green energy. Moore emphasized that reliance on the familiar “eds, feds, and meds” framework is limiting the state’s potential, urging enterprises to pioneer new avenues that can create jobs and drive sustainable development.
To facilitate this shift, Moore highlighted key areas for investment and collaboration:
- Advanced manufacturing: Leveraging cutting-edge automation and robotics to bolster production efficiency.
- Clean energy initiatives: Expanding renewable resources and supporting green tech startups to address climate challenges.
- Tech innovation hubs: Building ecosystems that foster research, development, and scaling of emerging technologies.
| Sector | Projected Growth (2026-2030) | Key Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Manufacturing | 12% | Smart factories |
| Clean Energy | 18% | Solar & wind tech |
| Technology | 15% | AI & cybersecurity |
Strategies for Building a Resilient Maryland Economy Through Innovation and Private Sector Leadership
Maryland’s future economic vitality hinges on a bold shift from its traditional reliance on government and healthcare sectors-commonly dubbed the “eds, feds, and meds” economy-toward an innovation-driven private sector. Governor Moore urged business leaders to embrace risk with “big bets” in 2026, emphasizing the transformative potential of cutting-edge industries such as biotechnology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. This approach demands not only capital infusion but also a collaborative ecosystem that fosters startups, incentivizes R&D, and nurtures homegrown talent prepared to scale emerging technologies.
To accelerate this transition, several strategies have been proposed, focusing on private sector leadership as the catalyst for sustainable growth:
- Enhance venture capital access: Expand funding channels to empower entrepreneurs with risk capital.
- Leverage public-private partnerships: Facilitate innovation hubs linking universities and industry.
- Promote workforce reskilling: Align education programs with future economic demands.
- Streamline regulatory frameworks: Accelerate time to market for new technologies.
| Sector | 2025 Investment Goals | Projected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $450M | Job growth +12% |
| Clean Energy | $320M | Carbon reduction 25% |
| Advanced Manufacturing | $280M | Export increase 18% |
To Wrap It Up
As Maryland looks toward 2026 and beyond, Moore’s call for business leaders to make bold investments underscores a critical juncture for the state’s economic future. By urging a shift away from reliance on traditional sectors like education, federal employment, and healthcare, Moore highlights the need for innovation-driven growth to ensure sustainable prosperity. How Maryland’s private sector responds to this challenge will play a decisive role in shaping the state’s economic landscape in the years ahead.