Governor Warner Announces Virginia Modeling and Simulation Initiative
Governor Warner Announces Virginia Modeling and Simulation Initiative
VIMSIM unveiled as Lockheed Martin opens high-tech lab in Suffolk
Governor Mark R. Warner today announced an aggressive plan to promote growth in Virginia's high-tech modeling and simulation industry centered in the Hampton Roads region. The Virginia Modeling and Simulation Initiative, or VIMSIM, includes the creation of an Institute for Homeland Security and Crisis Management with Old Dominion University and private contractors to provide a platform for emerging non-military simulation and modeling activities.
VIMSIM was announced during today's opening of Lockheed Martin's Center for Innovation in Suffolk, a $30 million investment that will create 50 modeling and simulation jobs.
Governor Warner said VIMSIM will encourage the development of a modeling and simulation business "cluster" in Hampton Roads through a joint state, local and regional effort. The state also will work to expand modeling and simulation workforce development and recruitment efforts to attract and train more skilled talent. Another goal of VIMSIM is to improve information technology infrastructure by quickly bringing the Internet supercomputing highway called Lambda Rail to Old Dominion University's existing Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center (VMASC) and U.S. Joint Forces Command.
Hampton Roads already is home to an emerging and very promising modeling and simulation industry, which uses cutting-edge technology to, for example, develop and test combat strategies for the military, provide "virtual" training for healthcare professionals, and assist public and private organizations with crisis planning and homeland security issues.
"VIMSIM has the potential to dramatically transform and strengthen the economy of this region -- and the Commonwealth as a whole -- by attracting more high-tech, high-wage jobs," Governor Warner said. "Nobody does combat simulations better than the United States Joint Forces Command, and if we can train the workforce they need and host their operations, Virginia can be a national hub for private companies that design video games, health sector companies exploring the latest technologies, our homeland security industry, and perhaps industries we can't yet imagine."
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission estimates the industry currently employs more than 4,000 people and contributes more than $412 million a year to the region's economy, primarily through the modeling and simulation activities of U.S. Joint Forces Command.
During the April 6th, 2005 Reconvened Session of the Virginia General Assembly, lawmakers endorsed Governor Warner's proposed budget amendment authorizing $1,450,000 to initiate funding for VIMSIM. This funding will boost the capability of ODU's Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center by adding faculty and providing more funding to promote research and development, in addition to adding more inter-university programs. In addition, the Governor's budget amendment provided funds for Old Dominion University and other state-supported universities and Tidewater Community College to develop new courses and curriculum for modeling and simulation.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Apr05/0411.htm