Virginia’s Governor Warner: The Commonwealth’s New Media and Computer Simulations Advantage

Governor Mark Warner was the featured speaker at the Fairfax County IBEC (International Business Exchange Council) meeting last week. He spoke at length about export opportunities around the world and the assistance that his administration has given to Virginia firms.

In the Q&A portion of the program, I asked him about the potential for new media companies in Virginia. He responded by saying that the future looks really bright. He said that he has worked hard to highlight the efforts of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) at Old Dominion University.

There are enormous opportunities available to small new media companies that embark on dual-use strategies. Generally, developing new businesses require a lot of faith and a long-term view of investment timelines. Small new media companies may be able to develop a very supportive niche by working on DOD and/or Public Sector simulation and modeling projects. Eventually, new media companies that pursue a DOD/Public Sector strategy will have to deal with on-demand customers in the private sector. To be successful, they will have to develop a unique peer-to-peer customer support culture. The advantage of small businesses being headquartered in the Commonwealth is that there are people in government that understand how to help.