#United States #Oklahoma City #Heartland Forward #Rockefeller Foundation #AI Caucus

Big Bets for America: A Gathering of Innovators in Oklahoma City

On November 4, 2025, a significant gathering took place in Oklahoma City, hosted by Heartland Forward and The Rockefeller Foundation. Dubbed "Big Bets for America," this event brought together over 200 influential figures, including policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists. Their unified aim was to explore solutions that could energize communities across the heartland and stimulate economic growth nationwide.

The Importance of Collaboration

In the face of political gridlock and rapid technological evolution, gatherings like this are crucial. Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, highlighted the potential of collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing the modern American dream. During the event, discussions centered around integrating data-driven, tech-forward solutions into various sectors, including health, defense innovation, artificial intelligence, and workforce development.

"At a moment when the American dream is becoming less affordable and accessible, there are innovators around the country hard at work to ensure every American can define their own future," Dr. Shah stated. This sentiment resonated throughout the event as participants shared insights and strategies aimed at tackling pressing social issues and driving innovation.

Shaping Future Initiatives

Big Bets for America marks the inaugural event of a new series dedicated to fostering economic revitalization and community empowerment. Topics explored during the gathering were both diverse and impactful, with emphasis on critical areas where collaborative efforts could lead to tangible improvements in the community.

Angie Cooper, President of Heartland Forward, expressed pride in the heartland’s spirit of innovation. "The Heartland has always been where big ideas take root, and Oklahoma City embodies that spirit," she remarked, pointing to the city’s potential as a thriving innovation hub. This event also served as a launchpad for significant new initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth in the heartland region.

Key Announcements from the Event

Among the notable initiatives announced during the event are:

• - U.S. Big Bets Fellows Program: The Rockefeller Foundation revealed the launch of a new class of U.S. Big Bets Fellows, a program designed to empower innovative leaders across the nation to create economic opportunities within their communities.
• - Center for Investment Readiness: Heartland Forward introduced its Center for Investment Readiness, a dedicated facility aimed at bolstering research and program development to enhance investor confidence and support local businesses in the heartland.
• - AI Caucus: The event also saw the announcement of the Heartland AI Caucus, a bipartisan assembly of leaders committed to advancing artificial intelligence strategies throughout the region.
• - AI Readiness Project: In partnership with Center for Civic Futures (CCF), this initiative aims to help governments responsibly utilize AI in public service, fostering a network that supports collaborative learning and implementation.
• - Focus on Skilled Trades: The BlackRock Foundation partnered with Heartland Forward to connect young individuals with opportunities in the skilled trades, promoting workforce development in essential high-demand areas.

Elevating Voices and Changing Narratives

The Oklahoma City event provided a vital platform for raising the voices from the heartland in national conversations about policy and economic growth. This collaboration highlighted the innovative and determined spirit that exists within many communities in the heartland. Participants emphasized the need to equip local leaders with tools, data, and meaningful partnerships to turn community potential into lasting opportunities.

Heartland Forward is dedicated to changing the narrative surrounding the middle of the country and generating significant economic impact by 2030 through various strategies, including applied research and community-driven programs.

When referencing the transformative potential of technology and community engagement in solving societal challenges, Dr. Shah noted, "We see young people all over the planet, including right here at home, having pathways where they can be productive citizens." The optimism expressed at the event conveyed a collective commitment to revitalizing the heartland and addressing essential 21st-century challenges.

As the conversations at Big Bets for America highlighted the intersection of innovation and community engagement, it demonstrated that by working together, impactful change is not just possible, it is within reach. This exciting event marks only the beginning as heartland leaders look toward a future filled with possibilities and new collaborations.