When I joined the Nashville Technology Council (NTC) in 2015, I had coffee with then-CEO Brian Moyer at his office to better understand the lay of the land. We talked about the role of the NTC and its impact on regional economic development. During the session, he shared a simple but powerful observation that has stayed with me since.
"Nashville is a healthcare anchor in the United States," he said. "Healthcare has a million problems. If you solve just one, you'll be set."
Moyer then introduced me to the Nashville Healthcare Family Tree, a visual map created by the Nashville Healthcare Council that illustrates the hundreds of companies that have emerged from the region's healthcare ecosystem over several decades. A great example is Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) who has grown to be the largest hospital operator in the nation. Over the decades, HCA identified redundant work and roles that were unnecessarily replicated at each of their dozens of locations. By centralizing shared services such as billing and revenue cycle, supply chain management, human resources, and more through the creation of subsidiaries, they were able to gain operational efficiencies and standardization in their national operations. In addition, some of the subsidiaries became service providers for other healthcare providers, establishing themselves as a profit center for the corporation. There are plenty of other hospital systems across the nation who have similar models.
To me, the lesson was clear: thriving entrepreneurial communities are often built around solving the challenges of their region's dominant industries. As we think about the future of South Central Kentucky, I believe there is an important opportunity for the Regional Tech Council and our members to play a similar role. Our region's economic strength is built on industries such as advanced manufacturing (automotive, metals, food service), healthcare (independent regional hospitals and clinics), logistics, education, tourism, and agribusiness. Organizations in these industries create jobs for our citizens, drive investment, and provide a foundation from which our communities can grow. They also face significant challenges—from workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions to cybersecurity risks, operational inefficiencies, and increasing global competition.
Imagine an ecosystem where entrepreneurs, technology professionals, students, manufacturers, healthcare providers, and investors collaborate to solve real-world problems. Startups could develop solutions to improve productivity, strengthen resilience, automate repetitive tasks, enhance quality, reduce downtime, and leverage artificial intelligence to create new competitive advantages.
The Regional Technology Council (RTC) was established to serve as the connector between industry challenges and technology solutions. By fostering relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration, we support innovation that is both practical and impactful. Rather than attempting to replicate Silicon Valley, our focus should be on becoming the best place in Kentucky to build technologies that help our leading industries perform better.
Some regions have tried to become technology hubs by attracting technology companies first. History suggests the opposite path is often more successful. Technology ecosystems tend to emerge where innovators are deeply engaged in solving meaningful industry problems. Chattanooga (logistics), Akron (smart materials), Fargo (AgTech), and Bentonville (retail) are good examples of cities that made an impact building tech to support their core industries. As we demonstrate our ability to create solutions, launch startups, and develop talent around the needs of our core industries, we will attract more entrepreneurs, more skilled technology professionals, and more companies seeking access to that expertise. Supporting the industries that drive our economy is not separate from becoming a technology center. It is the fastest path to becoming one.
If you are a senior leader at an organization in South Central Kentucky, we want to hear from you. We are launching cohorts starting July 2026 to help senior leaders connect with their peers and understand how emerging technologies can improve their businesses. Wherever you are on your technology roadmap, this is a good place to start. Email admin@regionaltechcouncil.org for more information about joining a RTC leadership cohort.