State of Texas - Killeen Research and Innovation Ecosystem
Abstract
Fluctuations in defense spending going back to 2011, and continuing up to the inflation-adjusted flat line defense budget in 2021, have created vulnerability in the Texas defense sector. The lack of predictability in the federal defense budget makes it difficult to plan and invest at the small and mid-sized company level because these companies do not know if today?s defense contract or modernization priority will be there tomorrow. This disincentive to bidding on defense work or commercializing defense technology ultimately weakens the defense industrial base. Part of the solution for this challenge lies in creating a tighter nexus between Texas university research capabilities, Department of Defense innovation cells and small and mid-sized companies, with an ultimate goal of ensuring a more competitive industrial base, responsive to Department of Defense demand signals. This grant will support the creation of a University Research Park at Texas A&M University-Central Texas (A&M Central Texas) in Killeen, Texas by engaging specialists in the planning and design of innovation ecosystems to provide a blueprint for creating such an entity. This innovation ecosystem will accelerate the Army?s modernization efforts and increase talent development and entrepreneurial pathways. A university research park will allow direct interaction with military entities such as Operational Test Command (OTC) and Army Futures Command (AFC). This collaboration between university researchers and the private sector will provide direct benefits to both the local community and the Department of Defense. The park will have a significant impact on the local economy by helping to create jobs and increase the local tax base.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 2021
- Source ID
- HQ00052110031
Entities
People
- Todd Lutz
Organizations
- Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Texas A&M University–Central Texas