FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Partnership for Defense Innovation and the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator Release Report on “Workforce Demands for Success”

Fayetteville, N.C. (July 8, 2008)- The Partnership for Defense Innovation/Defense and Security Technology Accelerator (PDI/DSTA) has released the “Workforce Demands for Success” report highlighting key issues and skill sets needed to support the Defense and Security industry and the Computing, Engineering Services sector in North Carolina.   The report is a quick analysis of two technology growth clusters and their workforce needs to compete, grow and prosper sector growth in North Carolina.   “Our companies, large and small must have a workforce that is globally engaged and has a strong pipeline of science, technology, engineering and math graduates,” said Scott Perry, President of PDI/DSTA.

The report was a result of a group of North Carolina technology leaders meeting to discuss “next steps” from findings in the UNC Tomorrow Campaign and to engage and advocate the critical need for more STEM graduates.   After discussion a decision was made to examine two technology-based growth sectors in North Carolina to better understand each industry’s specific workforce needs.  The key growth sectors identified by the leadership were the Engineering & Computing Science Services sector and the Defense & Security sector.  The PDI/DSTA collaborated with the NC Military Foundation on the statewide effort. 

Five focus groups were held with more than 100 of North Carolina’s leading advocates on future workforce and STEM education needs with critical dialog about past, present and future scenarios.  .  Mike Jones, Vice President, Saffron Technologies, said, “We in the defense industry have a robust demand for STEM graduates and for those that have critical thinking and teaming skills.  These types of skills can make the difference in the corporate field.” The study found that the central theme of the two industry sectors was the demand for accelerated change, a theme verified in each of the focus group meetings by business leaders whom work in a globally competitive marketplace with a constant and keen eye on the competition, trends and workforce pipeline.  Allen York, Division Manager, Applied Research Associates, said, “North Carolina has the opportunity to stand out as a leader in security and technology if we can keep the pipeline of outstanding STEM graduates.  Encouraging STEM graduates with the skill sets mentioned in the study enhances not only the national security but our economic health as well, here in North Carolina and throughout the country.”

Through collaboration, the Defense and Security sector as well as academic and public sector leaders can help build a unique competitive edge for North Carolina’s knowledge economy.  Curriculum changes, new learning platforms and innovative approaches can help grow and prosper this industry cluster and put North Carolina on the map as one of the key Defense and Security sectors in the world.   The study can be referenced on the Defense & Security Technology Accelerator’s website at www.dstanc.org

About DSTA:

The Defense and Security Technology Accelerator (DSTA), located in Fayetteville, N.C., is a thought leader in business acceleration focusing on military intelligence and technology.  DSTA offers a program that assists entrepreneurs with the rapid deployment (8 to 18 months) of dual-use defense and security technology solutions to meet military needs and private industry demands.  DSTA enables entrepreneurs to provide innovative defense and security solutions to the military and private industry while assisting its participants in selling state-of-the-art technology into the warfighter’s hands faster, ultimately saving lives and resources in the global war on terror.  For more information, please visit www.dstanc.org