May 04, 2026 Board of Trade

Curiosity Is Competitive Advantage | WBJ Viewpoint

Curiosity is more than a mindset. It is a competitive advantage.

In his latest Washington Business Journal Viewpoint column, Jack McDougle, President & CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, reflects on how moments of exploration, from the moon landing to the Artemis mission, show what is possible when curiosity is sustained through investment, talent, risk-taking, and collaboration.

For Greater Washington, that lesson is especially important. As the region continues to shift from a federal-centered economy to a more diversified, innovation-driven one, McDougle argues that our greatest assets, including world-class research institutions, leading universities, mission-driven talent, federal leadership, and a growing technology sector, must be better connected and supported across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

The column makes the case for reducing friction for businesses, strengthening access to capital, investing in research and commercialization, supporting reliable energy infrastructure, and building a talent pipeline that prepares people to solve real-world problems. With the right commitment, Greater Washington can turn curiosity into action and compete more effectively in the next era of innovation.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

ABOUT THE BOARD OF TRADE

The Greater Washington Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. The Board of Trade addresses complex and always-evolving business concerns that stretch across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, with a priority focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.  

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