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I drove a truck on a test track in Sweden. I was sitting in Austin.

What's happening: Reps from companies working to build the next big thing in mobility were at SXSW in Austin this week. Tech ranging from electric vehicles to planes running on hydrogen, from flying cars to bicycles were part of the conversations that took place at the conference.

The big picture: If Arkansas is going to be a global transportation leader by 2030, as a group of companies recently pledged to support, there's more to tackle than recruiting entrepreneurs and EV makers.

Driving the news: Gas prices, the environment and labor shortages are key motivators behind the evolution of transit. There was no doubt by anyone I heard from or talked with at SXSW that how we move people and products is on the cusp of a major shift.

Yes, and: Underscoring all of the conversations was the reminder to make the future of mobility equitable. The entry-level price points for EVs likely will remain higher than for combustion engines until the industry is able to build at scale, which alienates marginalized communities and those with lower-incomes.

Worth's thought bubble: I'm not sure when we'll all have access to a flying car, but it's clear the industry is maturing rapidly.

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