Modeling and Simulation in Hampton Roads, VA:  National Critical Technology
The September 2011 issue of the U.S. Economic Development Administration featured M&S in the region

The Hampton Roads Partnership works with Old Dominion University’s Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC), Tidewater Community College, existing companies, and various economic development organizations to enhance Hampton Roads’ standing as a nexus of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) activity developing new capabilities and application areas.

Hampton Roads has developed into a national leader in Modeling and Simulation. “Modeling and Simulation” refers to the process of developing a mathematical model of a real world condition and then running multiple simulations to extract information concerning that model for analysis, for example, the flow of containers through a port facility. This information can be used to enhance the effectiveness of the processes a model describes, allowing them to be made more efficient and profitable.

In an effort to identify ways to strengthen the region’s economy, a study of the region’s M&S industry was conducted in 2007. The study, using a highly conservative definition, focused on training and identified the following:

1. The number of direct M&S jobs in the region number over 5,000 and are projected them to grow 14.5% per year through 2012;
2. M&S jobs paid an average salary of $83,000 – more than double the regional average wage; and
3. M&S is a regional industry with about 60% of jobs on the Peninsula and 40% in South Hampton Roads.

In addition to M&S positions related to training, there are technical professionals in various science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields that build and use engineering based models and simulations (like computer-aided design). One such example is Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard, the region’s largest private employer. Over the past five years Modeling, Simulation and Analysis activities at its Virginia Advanced Shipbuilding and Carrier Integration Center have increased from a group of two modelers to an organization of over 40 modelers, programmers, analysts and network technicians.

Much of the M&S activity in Hampton Roads centers around the Department of Defense and Joint Forces Command, but there are opportunities for growth and expansion into new areas including emergency management, transportation, medicine, and game-based learning. Working to expand this important industry will use an existing regional strength to decrease Hampton Roads’ dependency on federal spending while growing the overall regional economy through a highly-desired and high-growth technology industry.

MODSIM World Conference & Exposition™ has been a key element of the Partnership’s M&S activity since 2007. Read more on the Expo…