McDonnell announces first modeling, simulation plan

Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced the development of the Commonwealth’s first modeling and simulation plan.  The strategic plan is being developed in an effort to identify modeling and simulation assets and capabilities and to jumpstart collaboration and market development across Virginia.  The effort is being led by Virginia’s Secretaries of Technology, Commerce and Trade, Education and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security.  All Virginia scientists, practitioners and companies that develop or utilize modeling and simulation applications or technologies are encouraged to participate.

“Virginia has a wealth of modeling and simulation assets and the production of this strategic plan will place an enhanced emphasis on modeling and simulation related economic development in the Commonwealth,” McDonnell said. “Due to budget cuts in the U.S. Department of Defense, there is a need for the modeling and simulation industry to expand into new, and previously untargeted, growth areas.  Critical to the development of the strategic plan for the Commonwealth will be the involvement of as many modeling and simulation practitioners as possible in order to comprehensively identify all Commonwealth assets that provide and utilize modeling and simulation products and services and define new and emerging market opportunities.”

Those interested in participating in the development of the strategic plan or learning more about the initiative should contact karen.jackson@governor.virginia.gov or visitwww.modsimconnected.com to register.

The strategic plan will be completed December 1, 2013.  Funding for the development of the strategic plan is being provided by the Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment.