Tim Alexander, Senior Director, Business Research & Analysis | LinkedIn
Tim Alexander, Senior Director, Business Research & Analysis | LinkedIn
The U.S. Senate has passed the National Geospatial Innovation Hub Advancement Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, potentially providing a significant boost to St. Louis' geospatial sector. This development comes after the U.S. House approved the NDAA, which now awaits President Biden's signature.
Senator Eric Schmitt played a key role in securing this program, aiming to establish St. Louis as a national hub for geospatial technology and defense innovation. “There’s no reason to believe that St. Louis can’t become the geospatial hub of the country, and I’m working to accomplish that exact goal,” stated Senator Schmitt.
The legislation includes a "Geospatial Workforce Pilot Program" designed to assess creating a skilled workforce in geospatial technologies for defense intelligence needs. The pilot program could be housed at NGA West in St. Louis.
In August, Schmitt hosted a roundtable with industry leaders in St. Louis to discuss his plan for attracting talent and establishing the city as a defense tech capital. “We have an opportunity to make, I think St. Louis, the defense tech capital of the United States,” he told attendees.
The act provides millions in funding likely administered by NGA West and involves partnerships with educational institutions and industry partners for curriculum development and training tailored to current workforce demands.
Sam Murphey, GSL Chief Strategy Officer, expressed gratitude towards Senator Schmitt: “We want to thank Senator Schmitt for his leadership and commitment to advancing St. Louis’ goal of becoming the world’s hub for geospatial technology.”
The GeoFutures Strategic Roadmap identifies scaling up talent as one of its strategic priorities for advancing the region's geospatial sector. A talent initiative led by former NGA Director Vice Adm. Robert Sharp will conduct an assessment in 2025 on utilizing federal funds effectively.
“This funding and the new workforce hub address key strategic priorities called out in the GeoFutures Strategic Roadmap," added Murphey.
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