At the 2026 LA Times Festival of Books, held April 18-19 on the University of Southern California campus, VIP Author Shaun Sterling presented his framework for economic growth centered on "Nexus Companies." The presentation, featured at the MainSpring Books exhibit, included a book signing and author interview that drew attention from thought leaders, educators, and policymakers attending the festival.
Sterling's book, Nexus Companies and a Reimagined US Economy, introduces the concept of Nexus Companies as organizations designed to serve as economic connection points linking workers, businesses, governments, and emerging technologies. The book argues that by strengthening these connections, the U.S. can improve efficiency, expand opportunity, support workforce development, and foster sustainable economic growth. Sterling draws on his experience across agriculture, real estate, and business consulting to explore how innovative business models can address infrastructure investment challenges, workforce skill development, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
During his interview, Sterling discussed the importance of improving connections between economic stakeholders and highlighted opportunities to strengthen infrastructure without significantly increasing government debt. He also examined the role emerging technologies could play in shaping the next generation of economic systems while creating new opportunities for workers, businesses, and consumers alike. The proposed Nexus ecosystem aims to increase economic dynamism while enhancing worker mobility, improving access to training and education, and encouraging innovation across multiple sectors. An author interview is available for further insights.
The LA Times Festival of Books, recognized as one of the nation's premier literary gatherings, attracts readers, thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and innovators from diverse backgrounds. Sterling's presentation resonated with attendees seeking solutions to pressing economic challenges, offering a fresh perspective on how public-private collaboration and evolving organizational structures can create new pathways for economic progress. By moving beyond traditional approaches, the framework proposes a holistic strategy to revitalize the U.S. economy in an era of rapid technological change and global competition.
