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Virginia Economic Review
Our quarterly publication, Virginia Economic Review, provides an insider look at Virginia’s economy, its diverse array of world-class companies, its amazing talent, and its stunning natural beauty, as well as insights from national thought leaders.
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University of Virginia
Virginia Universities Prepare to Meet Tomorrow's Data Science Needs
In recent years, the increased amount of available data — 64.2 zettabytes (equal to 1 trillion gigabytes) were created globally in 2020, compared to 2 zettabytes in 2010, according to Statista — and ways to analyze and use it have escalated the demand for data science professionals to fill data analyst, business intelligence engineer, and other roles.
Increases in e-commerce activity buoyed by the COVID-19 pandemic have entities across the supply chain working to increase efficiencies and meet the demand for same-day delivery
Industries of the Future: E-Commerce
E-commerce became the lifeblood of retailers and business-to-business (B2B) suppliers in 2020, yet the innovation that grew out of this need has disrupted industry norms forever. Research from the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and McKinsey & Co.
Industries of the Future: Data Centers
After a year of focusing on operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, data center investments are on the rise, with an eye on expanding capacity to meet pandemic-influenced changes in consumer behavior.
Industries of the Future: Ag Tech
Consumers’ increasing demand for safe, sustainable, locally grown food is driving interest and investment in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA).
National Landing in Northern Virginia, as shown in this rendering, is home to a 5G-powered smart city developed by JBG SMITH Properties, Inc., using dark giber provided by Arlington County.
Industries of the Future: 5G
Across the wireless industry, 5G — the fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks, meant to deliver higher data speeds, lower latency, more reliability, and higher capacity — has been not just the next big thing, but a family of next big things.
WynnVision LLC, Richmond
Virginia Life Sciences Ecosystem Helps Make Research Breakthroughs Reality
Like many medical device startups, Luminoah began with a bright idea brought about by a personal need. In 2019, founder Neal Piper’s young son, Noah, had a medical issue that necessitated the use of a feeding tube.
Nurturing Innovation in the Life Sciences: A Conversation With Chandra Briggman
Chandra Briggman is president and CEO of Activation Capital, an independent authority that supports life sciences and advanced technology companies and entrepreneurship in the Richmond area.
Helping Life Sciences Companies Succeed: A Conversation with John Newby
John Newby is CEO of Virginia Bio, the nonprofit statewide trade association that serves and promotes the life sciences industry in the Commonwealth.
The Medicines for All Institute (M4ALL), VCU’s College of Engineering
A Supply Chain Reaction
Richmond and Petersburg Host a New Pharmaceutical Cluster Making Essential Medicines With Innovative Techniques The COVID-19 pandemic has brought shortages of all kinds to the U.S. economy, from cream cheese and toilet paper to N95 masks and consumer electronics.
South Boston, Halifax County
Southern Virginia Rewrites Its Economic Story
Microsoft's Investments in Boydton and South Boston and its Regional Partnerships are Positioning the Region as a Tech Destination A century ago, South Boston was a tobacco-producing stalwart. In 1927 alone, the town accounted for more than 20 million pounds in tobacco sales.
The Evolution of Cloud Computing: A Conversation with Susie Adams
Susie Adams is chief technology officer for federal government business at Microsoft. She oversees and implements the technical strategy for the technology giant’s Department of Defense, civilian, and intelligence community businesses.
Micron Technology, Inc., Manassas
Inside Virginia's Record-Setting Micron Project
When memory chip maker Micron Technology, Inc. committed to expand its operations in the City of Manassas in Northern Virginia, the headlines rattled off one impressive number after another: 1,100 new high-skilled jobs. Some 100,000 square feet of additional space. A $3-billion investment.
Liebherr USA, Newport News
The Future of Manufacturing in America: Liebherr
Liebherr manufactures large trucks for the mining industry, including the world’s largest diesel-electric mining truck. These gigantic machines are partly assembled, tested, and certified at the plant in Newport News with complete assembly carried out at the mine.
Tim Sands' Bold Vision for Virginia Tech
Timothy D. Sands is the 16th president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, joining the university in June 2014. VEDP’s President and CEO, Stephen Moret, recently spoke with President Sands about exciting new developments at Virginia Tech.
Volvo Trucks North America's VNR Electric, manufactured in Pulaski County, went on sale in 2020.
Industries of the Future: Auto Tech
Technological advancements, supply chain disruptions, and safety, environmental, and other sociopolitical factors are changing the way people and products move around the country. Manufacturers are leveraging technology, new business models, and infrastructure improvements to chart a future path.
In 2020, Walmart partnered with Virginia Beach-based DroneUp to deliver COVID-19 test kits to residents near selected stores.
Industries of the Future: Unmanned Systems
Unmanned vehicles still seem like advanced technology, but in one form or another, they’ve been making inroads into civilian life for the last 15 years.
Industries of the Future: Commercial Space
Could space-related businesses represent a $1 trillion industry by 2040? That’s the question posed by Morgan Stanley analysts in a recent report.
Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind site will feature up to 180 14 MW turbines.
Industries of the Future: Offshore Wind
The global appetite for clean energy has never been higher, with businesses, individuals, and nations working to decrease their carbon emissions.



