LBJ Business Policy Forum

The LBJ Business Policy Forum

America’s long-term economic strength, global competitiveness and national security depend on smart, forward-looking public policies that empower U.S. businesses to lead, innovate and thrive. Today, that imperative is more urgent than ever. Geopolitical rivalries are deepening, global trade is rapidly shifting and technologies like artificial intelligence are redrawing the boundaries of economic leadership. The LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin is responding to this moment by launching the LBJ Business Policy Forum—a six-event series to be held throughout the 2025–26 academic year that will convene business leaders, entrepreneurs, technologists and policymakers on campus for high-impact discussions on pressing policy opportunities and challenges facing American business today. By connecting Austin’s vibrant innovation ecosystem with national and global leaders, the Forum will highlight how policy choices affect competitiveness in American business—and how business outcomes can inform smarter, more resilient policy decisions.

Rethinking U.S. Competitiveness in the Era of Tariffs

The Trump Administration's sweeping changes to U.S. trade policy—including tariffs, bilateral deals, and reworked alliances—have upended decades of integrated global commerce. These shifts have introduced volatility into supply chains and uncertainty for American companies. This session will reimagine trade policy for the next era—focusing on how to protect U.S. economic interests while preserving international market access. We'll explore how business leaders can navigate this environment and help shape a fair, pro-competitiveness trade policy.

John Cowen Mayor, Brownsville

John Cowen serves as the Mayor of Brownsville, Texas and is President of Cowen Group, LTD, a family-owned logistics and trade company facilitating international commerce between the United States, Mexico, and global markets. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with honors in Finance, John began his career as a senior consultant with a Big Four professional services firm, advising multinational corporations on cross-border tax strategies. Since returning to Brownsville in 2007, he has led Cowen Group’s strategic growth, creating quality local jobs and strengthening regional economic ties. Drawing on his business experience in logistics, supply chains, and international trade, he brings a unique perspective to his role as Mayor, guiding efforts to build a resilient, competitive, and globally connected economy for Brownsville and the broader border region.

Don Graves Former Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce

Don Graves is the former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he served from 2021 to 2025 and played a central role in advancing U.S. competitiveness, trade, and innovation policy. Today, he is Managing Partner at Highland Creek Advisors, an advisor to Busara Advisors, and a fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service. Recognized as a leader at the intersection of economics, technology, and national security, Graves has worked on issues ranging from critical and emerging technologies—including AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing—to international trade, finance, and economic development. His commentary and writing have appeared in major outlets such as ABC News, CNN, NPR, The Washington Post, and Foreign Affairs. Drawing on decades of experience across government, business, and nonprofit sectors, Graves continues to shape conversations on how the U.S. can compete and thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

Joaquin Spamer Founder and president of CIL Group

As founder and president of CIL Group, he oversees CIL Commodities Integrated Logistics, CIL Capital Development Solutions, and CIL Fresh, driving initiatives across logistics, construction, ICT, and franchising in Mexico and the United States. A recognized leader in U.S.–Mexico relations, he co-founded the Binational Council for Economic Development of Reynosa and served as president of BTA México (2022–2024). He has also held leadership roles with the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, INDEX, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico.

Dilawar Syed is an entrepreneur, board member, and former U.S. cabinet official whose leadership has spanned various public and private sector organizations, including as Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Special Envoy for Commercial Affairs at the State Department. In a decades-long career in Silicon Valley, Dilawar led and scaled ventures in AI, software, and consumer web. After his public service, he has joined the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin as Senior Economic Policy Advisor, to lead a new initiative on advancing U.S. business competitiveness, and as faculty at the LBJ School and UT’s McCombs School of Business. He is advising several technology ventures as a board member. Dilawar’s most recent role as SBA Deputy Administrator began with a bipartisan vote of the U.S. Senate. Dilawar advanced the Biden Administration’s priorities for small businesses by democratizing access to capital ($56 billion in 2024), government contracting ($183 billion in 2024), and entrepreneurship enablement, especially in the underserved and rural communities. He coordinated SBA’s disaster response after Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the Southeast, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, MD, and the wildfires in Maui, HI. As Special Envoy for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Dilawar served as America’s top commercial diplomat, championing U.S. companies in markets abroad and strengthening U.S. competitiveness. He mobilized private sector support for Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, advocated for strategic deals in advanced tech, energy, aviation, and defense, and negotiated market access in his 24 bilateral engagements across the globe. Dilawar’s civic entrepreneurship has spanned local, state, and federal governments. Appointed by President Obama in 2010 to the White House Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, he led engagement with small businesses during the economic recovery. In 2017, he launched the California Entrepreneurship Task Force with the Governor’s Office to bridge Silicon Valley with rural communities and promote inclusive entrepreneurship. Dilawar has previously served as CEO of Lumiata, an AI healthcare company backed by Khosla Ventures and BlueCross BlueShields, and as President at Freshworks, where he founded the software company’s North America business. Freshworks had a successful IPO in 2021. Earlier, he held leadership roles at Yahoo! and Siebel Systems. Dilawar started his career in management consulting at Ernst & Young and Deloitte Consulting. Dilawar holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a BA in Computer Science and Economics from The University of Texas at Austin.

Info: The Trump Administration's sweeping changes to U.S. trade policy—including tariffs, bilateral deals, and reworked alliances—have upended decades of integrated global commerce. These shifts have introduced volatility into supply chains and uncertainty for American companies. This session will reimagine trade policy for the next era—focusing on how to protect U.S. economic interests while preserving international market access. We'll explore how business leaders can navigate this environment and help shape a fair, pro-competitiveness trade policy.

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