Joseph Kopser Outlines Vision for Texas Space Economy and Workforce Development

In an interview on the Building Texas Show, aerospace entrepreneur and military veteran Joseph Kopser outlined a comprehensive vision for Texas' economic future, focusing on workforce development for the space industry and rural economic revitalization. Recorded at Dallas College during the Y Texas summit, the conversation highlighted Kopser's work with the Grayline Group and the newly formed Space Workforce Incubator for Texas (SWIFT).

Kopser emphasized that while Texas has become a global hub for space exploration with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Firefly Aerospace, the state faces a critical shortage of skilled labor to sustain this growth. "We have to have a workforce to build those rockets, to sustain life support systems, and to build spacecraft," Kopser told host Justin McKenzie. He noted that the industry requires not just rocket scientists but also skilled tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, and welders to handle the physical construction of spacecraft components.

To address this workforce gap, Kopser co-founded SWIFT to connect 18-to-35-year-olds with vocational training and higher education opportunities. The initiative aims to ensure that Texas' economic growth isn't stalled by a lack of skilled workers. "People will be what they can see," Kopser noted, stressing the importance of exposing students to these career paths early through programs like those offered at https://www.swift.texas.gov.

The discussion also addressed the challenge of "exporting talent" from rural Texas communities. Kopser argued that fiber internet expansion and emerging autonomous supply chains present a historic opportunity to reverse the exodus of young people from small towns. "Now, with the reshoring of manufacturing and the ability to work remotely, you can live the quality of life you want in rural Texas while accessing the modern economy," he explained. He emphasized the need to maintain high-paying jobs in rural areas alongside service industries and retiree communities.

Kopser highlighted "dual-use" technologies—innovations serving both national defense and commercial sectors—as key economic drivers for Texas. He pointed to Texas-based companies like Apptronik (humanoid robotics), Saronic (autonomous watercraft), and LoCal (biochar energy) as examples of private innovation solving public problems. These companies represent the type of economic development that can benefit both urban and rural communities across the state.

As Kopser recently launched a campaign to represent Texas House District 47, he connected these economic issues to broader policy concerns. "The skills gap is widening, and the decisions we make today will shape Texas' economy for decades," he stated. He criticized hyper-partisan politics for distracting from the real work of creating jobs and providing opportunities for young Texans. Through his organization USTomorrow, Kopser continues to advocate for "people over politics" and data-driven approaches to policy making, including a constituent survey available at https://www.ustomorrow.org/survey.

The interview revealed how workforce development, technological innovation, and economic policy intersect in Texas' rapidly evolving economy. Kopser's emphasis on practical solutions—from vocational training through SWIFT to rural broadband expansion—reflects a comprehensive approach to ensuring Texas remains competitive in the global space industry while supporting communities across the state. The success of these initiatives could determine whether Texas can maintain its leadership position in aerospace while creating broadly shared economic prosperity.