Based in Washington, D.C., The Atlantic Council is studying why the United States is the world’s leader in technical innovation and how it might remain so in the coming years. Its experts are asking why innovation happens in places such as Madison; Boulder, Colorado; and Austin, Texas. It will issue a report on its findings later this year.

Topics during the Madison meeting will likely include drawing a virtual “map” of Madison’s innovation ecosystem; exploring the roles played by UW-Madison, state and local governments, researchers, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in building and sustaining that network; examining the opportunities and obstacles facing startups and established technology firms; and identifying the reasons why the Madison region attracts talented people.

While economists don’t always agree on much, many agree that regions and cities are more important than states in defining economic growth – simply because most states are too large and diverse to have a defined “state” economy. That’s especially true in Wisconsin, where there a sharp differences within the 400-plus miles that lie between Kenosha and Superior.

By looking closer at ourselves and inviting others to do the same, Wisconsin can create the conditions that will make its startup and “scale-up” economies more vibrant.

Still is president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. He is the former associate editor of the Wisconsin State Journal.