DANC News & Events
Mar 17
Defense Asset Inventory and Target Industry Cluster Analysis: Refresh Presentation

Defense Asset Inventory and Target Industry Cluster Analysis: Refresh – BACKGROUND AND NEXT STEPS

The NCMAC commissioned a refresh of the NC Defense Asset Inventory and Target Industry Cluster Analysis that was developed by the NC Military Foundation in 2009.

Cluster Study Redesign

The updated study identifies NC capabilities aligned to 6 DoD technology growth areas to spur NC defense industry growth.

The results of the study will support efforts to:

  • Develop strategies to grow and sustain high-priority industry clusters
  • Create jobs by connecting North Carolina entities, including traditional and non-traditional defense contractors, to opportunities in DoD’s key growth areas
  • Create jobs by recruiting new companies and military elements to North Carolina
  • Market North Carolina’s strengths in key areas and start building a statewide brand as a defense industry leader
  • Market the organizations available to support NC entities in connecting with the defense marketplace

 

The study included insights from DoD strategies and experts, a core working team, and NC companies.

 

DANC Cluster Study Teams

 

NC has the 4th largest number of military personnel yet is not in the top 10 states for military contract spending.

 

NC has the 4th largest number of military personnel yet is not in the top 10 states for military contract spending.

 

Compared to the top 3 states for defense contracts, NC has a smaller % of R&D than VA and CA.

 

Compared to the top 3 states for defense contracts, NC has a smaller % of R&D than VA and CA

 

Yet North Carolina is strong in research.

North Carolina is strong in research

 

California, Texas, and Virginia are larger markets than NC, but NC’s growth outpaces many peers.

 

NC’s growth outpaces many peers

North Carolina is a relatively small market in many of the target cluster areas.

 

North Carolina is a relatively small market in many of the target cluster areas

But NC is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest growing states in nearly all cluster areas.

 

NC is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest growing states in nearly all cluster areas

 

Comparative analysis shows Data & Knowledge Management and Autonomous Systems as the two strongest cluster areas.

 

Data & Knowledge Management and Autonomous Systems

 

To grow the NC defense industry, the state can consider two strategies: local and national.

Local Strategy: Connect to Local Commands

  • Assist as requested to grow the military footprint
  • Attain new commands or acquisition offices
  • Increase the number of personnel
  • Connect commands with research needs to local universities and research centers
  • Ensure that supplies and equipment, service, and construction contracts let by the installations go to NC businesses

National Strategy: Innovative Products and Services for Any Program

  • Concentrate growth activities on six technology areas important to the future of the DoD, helping companies with:
  • Networking and Collaboration
  • Contracting Assistance
  • Removal of Barriers to Entry
  • Agency Outreach
  • Conduct cluster activities for each specific technology area

DANC created action plans and will continue to leverage partners to implement recommendations.

Next steps:

  1. Press release, report summary, and slides are posted on the Defense Alliance of NC’s website
  2. Identify host for data to maintain/update
  3. Work with EDPNC and NCEDA to develop marketing materials for economic developers/companies
  4. Utilize already scheduled conferences/workshops/summits to spread the word about the results
  5. Work with partners to shape specific events targeting cluster study companies