?The news about JFCOM is disappointing for many like me who are advocates of modeling and simulation.  In fact, the modeling and simulation framework for economic development in the Southside was built on the Hampton Roads' economic model. After seeing the economic success in the Hampton region, the Virginia Tobacco Commission heavily subsidized and endorsed that modeling and simulation program. Virginia Tech University followed its counterpart, Old Dominion University, and pledged to lead the Southside effort. UVA is now stepping up as a new partner.

?In the Hampton region, the military played a major role in developing the modeling and simulation economic cluster there and on the Southside, but advocates are only now finding their niche by again seeking and relying on public partners like universities to define the model (advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, military night vision, etc). Both regions share one thing: a publicly subsidized model during a time of economic and political uncertainty. This can be dangerous because it skews market forces, leaving a huge hole when the politics change. We have to ask two things: Can we afford an economic vacuum in Virginia at this juncture? How would this impact our "best place to do business" standing? Perhaps it won't affect them, but there are some lessons we need to learn to avoid such a disaster.     ?So what has been learned from the potential closing of JFCOM? It is the same lesson all defense contractors are now learning: that a company or organization has to have a diversified base of customers.  As Virginia looks forward with its modeling and simulation activities, especially in the Hampton region, disappointment could lead to opportunity.  Hampton is resilient, and if the people there search for new ways to use modeling and simulation, that economic cluster can remain strong. Consider Florida's model, which is heavily military based but augmented by the entertainment industry (Disney). Consider the northern Virginia model, which is military based but augmented by the rapid growth in the alternative, clean, and renewable energy industries.  In the UK, modeling and simulation is used for historic preservation, so it has a wide range of applications.

?In sum, no one wants to see a shift in resources, especially when an industry has clustered around that resource, but for Hampton to remain strong, it must work to save JFCOM as it works to create new niches and find new customers to support its ever-changing and exciting modeling and simulation cluster.    See www.NicceENERGY.com for details on modeling and simulation.