An industry ready to grow: Modeling and simulation

by Bob Harper

I was happy to see the op-ed by Dana Dickens, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Partnership, included in the Dec. 28 edition of the Daily Press followed by a staff editorial on Dec. 31 on the same subject. Both lauded Gov. Tim Kaine's continued financial support in these lean budgetary times of ODU's Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) located in Suffolk. An important distinction is that VMASC also serves as the region's modeling and simulation industry association by virtue of corporate memberships in its consortium.

As mentioned by Dickens, we have enjoyed a significant positive economic impact for the region through modeling, simulation and visualization (MS&V) since VMASC was established. Yet, much of this relates to the Department of Defense piece of MS&V and may not be sustainable in future defense budgets. So, while we have done well with the MS&V industry thus far, the question to ask ourselves is are we prepared well enough to capitalize on these great MS&V opportunities?

When one looks at the region with an economic development viewpoint, one cannot help but be confused. Hampton Roads has a complex and cluttered business landscape with several organizations playing roles in regional economic development. These roles at times overlap, at times conflict, and at times prevent us from achieving our full potential as a region. Every one of the organizations involved has a legitimate role to play in either promoting the region as a good place for business or supporting technology-based economic growth, which includes MS&V. How do we obtain a unity of effort among these well-meaning organizations to achieve the best possible outcome for the region?

What is needed is a comprehensive, regional approach to MS&V economic development. This starts with regional leadership. Dickens' own organization, the Hampton Roads Partnership, has the clearest mandate for this leadership role, linked in tandem to VMASC. The Hampton Roads Partnership and VMASC should jointly and in partnership establish the leadership of the Hampton Roads MS&V economic development efforts and coordinate the creation of a regional strategy for maximizing the economic impact of MS&V. We should encourage actions that link our region technically, that tie in the Peninsula with the Southside, modeling our own communities, and develop a unifying vision similar to "America's First Region" to market Hampton Roads with a common MS&V language.

Many areas should be addressed as part of the Hampton Roads modeling and simulation strategy. It all starts, though, with leadership, and we are blessed with two great organizations — the Hampton Roads Partnership and VMASC — around which we can coalesce a collaborative and coordinated effort to build on the wonderful economic opportunities we possess. As stated in the Daily Press editorial, we are second in the nation behind Orlando, Fla., regarding modeling, simulation and visualization. Why are we not first?

Bob Harper, who lives in Hampton and is employed by Northrop Grumman, was appointed by Gov. Tim Kaine to the Virginia Modeling and Simulation Advisory Council and previously chaired the advisory board of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center at ODU.