LOS ANGELES — At the 2026 LA Times Festival of Books, author Shaun Sterling presented a new framework for economic growth centered on what he calls 'Nexus Companies'—organizations designed to serve as economic connection points linking workers, businesses, governments, and emerging technologies. The presentation took place at the MainSpring Books exhibit during a featured book signing and author interview on April 18–19 at the University of Southern California campus.
Sterling's book, Nexus Companies and a Reimagined US Economy, examines how these new business structures could address pressing economic challenges such as infrastructure investment, workforce skill development, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Rather than relying solely on traditional approaches, the text explores how public-private collaboration and evolving organizational structures may create new pathways for economic progress.
Drawing upon experience across agriculture, real estate, and business consulting, Sterling argues that strengthening connections between economic stakeholders can improve efficiency, expand opportunity, support workforce development, and foster sustainable economic growth. During his interview, he highlighted opportunities to strengthen infrastructure without significantly increasing government debt and examined the role emerging technologies could play in shaping the next generation of economic systems.
The proposed Nexus ecosystem seeks to increase economic dynamism while enhancing worker mobility, improving access to training and education, and encouraging innovation across multiple sectors. Festival attendees gained insight into how these concepts could create new opportunities for workers, businesses, and consumers alike.
For leaders in business and technology, the implications are significant. Sterling's framework suggests that companies can play a pivotal role in bridging gaps between sectors, potentially reducing reliance on government spending while still addressing critical infrastructure needs. The emphasis on workforce development and AI integration offers a roadmap for companies navigating automation and digital transformation.
The book is available on Amazon, and an author interview provides further details on the Nexus concept. As the U.S. economy continues to evolve amid technological disruption, Sterling's ideas offer a timely perspective on how new business models might drive growth and resilience.
