Dubbed the Economic Security Advisory Group, the panel will look for ways to make the city competitive in the artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and space manufacturing sectors.
"These are foundational technologies and growing sectors that will be needed to power the global economy and San Antonio will lead the way," Jones said at a Monday news conference announcing the formation of the group.
"The advancements within and across these sectors are not exclusive to defense purposes," Jones said. "They'll fuel advances in public health, medical research, educational attainment and communications, to name a few."
Jim Perschbach, president and CEO of Port San Antonio, will chair the 11-member committee.
Other members include Adam Hamilton, president and CEO of Southwest Research Institute, Dr. Larry Schlesinger, president and CEO of Texas Biomed, and former military leaders.
San Antonio's status as Military City USA — due to its large active and retired military population — and the 99,000 residents with an advanced manufacturing background makes it well suited to lead in these areas, Jones said. The city also has the largest cybersecurity presence outside of Washington, D.C.
The advisory group is expected to meet quarterly, Jones said. She would like it to provide input on projects to include in a potential city bond measure, such as infrastructure improvements that could attract companies, and ways to structure economic agreements to encourage development.
Jones will travel to Taiwan on March 14, along with District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears and several members of the Economic Security Advisory Group.
"You can't talk about the future of advanced manufacturing without talking about Taiwan," Jones said.
The week-long trip includes meetings with government officials and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association, in addition to attending the Smart City Summit & Expo, which is Asia's largest event focused on how cities can use technology and data to minimize their environmental impact and sustainable urban development.
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