Southern California’s economic future—and particularly Orange County’s—is looking bright, experts said during Chapman University’s 43rd annual economic forecast. “I’m personally confident in the future of Orange County,” Mike Mussallem, CEO of Irvine-based medical technology company Edwards Lifesciences, said during the forecast roundtable held virtually on Dec. 17. “[My positive assessment is] due to the passionate engagement of many leaders and partners, … the dedicated and generous philanthropic organizations, and … committed and strategic businesses.” Tapping Into Technology Mussallem discussed his hopes of moving Orange County away from the tourism-based economy it is today. “The current projection of Orange County is too dependent on tourism and retirement dollars, and that results in too many low paying service jobs,” he said. “Then we end up with a two-tier economy, rich and poor, and frankly uninspiring prosperity. Instead, we need to start and grow companies in Orange County that require high-level talent.” One …