DILAWAR SYED

    Ideas & Talks

    On business, technology, and the policies that shape American competitiveness.

    Keynotes, forums, and podcasts — on emerging technology, small-business policy, and America's economic future.

    Dilawar Syed interviewed on stage at a technology conference

    Upcoming Events

    Keeping Humans in Command
    ForumKeeping Humans in CommandPolicy Debate Over Catastrophic AI Risk & U.S. InnovationLBJ Business Policy Forum · October 28, 2026 · 4:00 PM · Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ SchoolRSVP
    The Georgetown Pakistan Forum
    ForumThe Georgetown Pakistan ForumConvening policymakers, private-sector leaders, and diaspora voices on Pakistan's futureGeorgetown University · November 14, 2026 · Georgetown University, Washington, DCRSVP
    A New Social Contract for the AI Economy
    ForumA New Social Contract for the AI EconomyCreating pathways to skills, mobility, and economic security in the age of AILBJ Business Policy Forum · December 2, 2026 · 4:00 PM · Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School
    The Silver Tsunami and the Future of U.S. Small Business
    ForumThe Silver Tsunami and the Future of U.S. Small BusinessManaging a historic generational transfer of small-business ownership and its implications for workers, communities, and the economyLBJ Business Policy Forum · February 11, 2027 · 4:00 PM · Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School
    U.S. Competitiveness and the Future of Trade
    ForumU.S. Competitiveness and the Future of TradeNavigating supply chains and economic interdependence in an era of tariffsLBJ Business Policy Forum · April 2027 · Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School

    Global Economy & Diplomacy

    Commercial Diplomacy
    PanelCommercial DiplomacyHow commercial diplomacy advances American economic interests abroad.LBJ Business Policy Forum · April 13, 2026
    Critical Minerals and Geopolitics
    PanelCritical Minerals and GeopoliticsCritical minerals and their importance to geopolitical stability.UT Energy Week · May 28, 2026
    India's Macroeconomic Journey
    PanelIndia's Macroeconomic JourneyTracing India's macroeconomic journey with Arvind Subramanian and Devesh Kapur, moderated by Dilawar Syed.UT Austin · July 18, 2026
    Critical Minerals and Industrial Policy
    PanelCritical Minerals and Industrial PolicyThe resource race for critical minerals and the future of industrial policy.LBJ Business Policy Forum · November 17, 2025
    Tariffs and U.S. Business
    PanelTariffs and U.S. BusinessShifting global trade and what it means for American companies.LBJ Business Policy Forum · October 20, 2025
    Tariffs and U.S. Competitiveness
    InterviewTariffs and U.S. CompetitivenessA conversation on trade policy and America's competitive position.September 22, 2025

    Entrepreneurship & Small Business

    Small Business and AI
    PanelSmall Business and AIWhat the AI transition means for America's small business owners.LBJ Business Policy Forum · April 13, 2026
    Small Business Owners and the Tariff Squeeze
    PodcastSmall Business Owners and the Tariff SqueezeHow tariffs are reshaping the economics of running a small business.WBUR On Point (NPR) · October 7, 2025    PodcastOwner's BoxA conversation on building companies and backing founders.Owner's Box
    AHN Economic Summit
    VIDEOAHN Economic SummitRemarks on economic opportunity and business growth.AHN Economic Summit, Las Vegas · 2025
    Tariffs Impact on Small Businesses
    InterviewTariffs Impact on Small BusinessesWhat rising trade costs mean for Main Street.May 19, 2025
    Driving Global Impact with Local Innovation
    KeynoteDriving Global Impact with Local InnovationHow regional innovation ecosystems compete globally.Boise, ID · October 2, 2024

    AI & Competitiveness

    AI Infrastructure
    PanelAI InfrastructureData centers, power, and the infrastructure behind the AI economy.LBJ Business Policy Forum · March 23, 2026
    AI and U.S. Competitiveness
    PanelAI and U.S. CompetitivenessWinning the AI race: talent, capital, and national competitiveness.LBJ Business Policy Forum · September 29, 2025
    CES 2024: Backing American Innovation
    KeynoteCES 2024: Backing American InnovationFireside chat with SBA Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed.CES, Las Vegas · January 2024
    AI's Role in Delivering Healthcare for the Underserved
    InterviewAI's Role in Delivering Healthcare for the UnderservedA dialogue on applying AI where care is hardest to reach.May 14, 2020
    Doha Forum Plenary: The Promise & Peril of AI
    PanelDoha Forum Plenary: The Promise & Peril of AIPlenary discussion on the global stakes of artificial intelligence.Doha Forum · March 26, 2022
    AI, Healthcare, and Leadership
    PodcastAI, Healthcare, and LeadershipOn smarter healthcare and using AI-powered predictive analytics to manage costs.Dollars and Change Podcast, Wharton · December 28, 2018

    Leadership & Citizenship

    South Asian Trailblazers: Pursuing Public Service
    VIDEOSouth Asian Trailblazers: Pursuing Public ServiceOn the call to serve and the road into public life.Philadelphia, PA · March 21, 2025
    Swearing-in Ceremony of New Citizens
    VIDEOSwearing-in Ceremony of New CitizensRemarks at a naturalization ceremony welcoming new Americans.Roseville, CA