At the 2026 LA Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 at the University of Southern California, VIP Author Shaun Sterling presented his visionary framework for economic growth during a featured book signing and author interview at the MainSpring Books exhibit. Sterling's book, Nexus Companies and a Reimagined US Economy, introduces the concept of "Nexus Companies"—organizations designed to act as economic connection points linking workers, businesses, governments, and emerging technologies. The book argues that strengthening these connections can improve efficiency, expand opportunity, support workforce development, and foster sustainable economic growth.
Recognized as one of the nation's premier literary gatherings, the festival attracts readers, thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and innovators from diverse backgrounds. Among the books generating interest at this year's event was Sterling's examination of how emerging business structures could help address pressing economic challenges facing the United States and other developed economies. Drawing upon experience across industries including agriculture, real estate, and business consulting, Sterling explores how innovative business models can address infrastructure investment challenges, workforce skill development, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
During his interview, Sterling discussed the importance of improving connections between economic stakeholders and highlighted opportunities to strengthen infrastructure without significantly increasing government debt. He also examined the role emerging technologies could play in shaping the next generation of economic systems while creating new opportunities for workers, businesses, and consumers alike. Festival attendees gained insight into how the proposed Nexus ecosystem seeks to increase economic dynamism while enhancing worker mobility, improving access to training and education, and encouraging innovation across multiple sectors.
Sterling's book is available on Amazon, and a full author interview can be viewed on YouTube. The framework presented at the festival offers a timely perspective on how the United States might navigate economic challenges through collaboration and innovation.
