What's Happening?
NewBoCo, a nonprofit organization, is spearheading the development of the Iowa Aviation Technology Center (IATC) to enhance Iowa's aerospace and aviation workforce, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Supported by philanthropic funding from JPMorganChase, the initiative aims to address workforce gaps, support educational programming aligned with industry needs, and increase accessibility to aerospace career paths for students. The project will establish an advisory group and strengthen partnerships among educational institutions, industry, government, and economic development organizations. Marty Lenss, director of the Eastern Iowa Airport, emphasized the strategic importance of the IATC in complementing the region's aerospace industry cluster.
The initiative is expected to deliver a comprehensive, multi-phase project plan within the first year, focusing on long-term sustainability and expanding the pipeline of learners entering aerospace fields.
Why It's Important?
The development of the Iowa Aviation Technology Center is significant as it positions Iowa to become a global leader in aviation technology, innovation, and workforce development. By addressing workforce gaps and supporting educational programming, the initiative aims to create a robust pipeline of skilled workers in the aerospace industry. This effort is expected to drive economic growth in the state by enabling entrepreneurs and small businesses to participate in and benefit from the burgeoning aerospace sector. The collaboration among educational institutions, industry, and government will foster a stronger business support ecosystem, facilitating the transition of aerospace entrepreneurs from research to market. The initiative's success could serve as a model for other regions seeking to enhance their economic development footprint in aerospace.
What's Next?
In the coming months, NewBoCo will focus on convening partners and developing a focused plan to reach shared goals. The organization will work with economic development organizations to determine industry needs over the next decade and expand the pipeline of learners entering aerospace fields. An Aerospace Advisory Group will be established to bring together industry expertise, research elements, workforce needs, and data to support the overall IATC project. The initiative will also involve defining resource requirements, inviting stakeholders to participate, and establishing structures to ensure long-term sustainability. As the project progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the impact on Iowa's economy and the aerospace industry's growth.
