History repeatedly reveals the advantages of early action in budding fields. Here’s why it’s important for West Virginia to adopt Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) early.
Companies like Wisk and Joby are heralding a new era of transportation as each ramps up its first passenger test flights.
As other Appalachian states like Ohio and North Carolina invest in Advanced Air Mobility, the pressure is on for the Mountain State to follow suit and capitalize on AAM early. The time has never been more appropriate for West Virginia to seize this opportunity and spearhead the adoption of AAM technology, particularly in the niche of rural AAM. It’s crucial for West Virginia to take action to integrate a leadership position with an entity that advocates for AAM and works daily to integrate the industry into the state.
This article discusses why Vertx Partners thinks West Virginia should take advantage of the early stages of AAM development and pioneer the field’s adoption.
The First-Mover Advantage
Being the first to embrace this revolutionary technology confers a significant competitive advantage in the race toward AAM integration. By acting swiftly – implementing AAM-friendly policies, establishing AAM K-16 curriculum, etc. – West Virginia establishes itself as a pioneer in AAM adoption, attracting investment, businesses, and talent.
The first-mover advantage accelerates economic growth and solidifies the state’s position as an AAM leader. This is especially pertinent considering the industry’s current fixation on urban air mobility (UAM). West Virginia’s predominantly rural landscape offers a fruitful testing ground for providing essential AAM services to 60 million Americans.
Unleashing Economic Potential
As Vertx has discussed before, the economic benefits of AAM adoption are manifold and far-reaching. By embracing this transformative technology, West Virginia unlocks unprecedented opportunities for job creation, infrastructure development, and revenue generation. The establishment of an AAM industry within the state could create thousands of high-paying jobs, inject millions of dollars into the economy, and catalyze growth across various sectors.
Capitalizing on these economic opportunities early ensures that West Virginia secures future prosperity and vitality.
Talent Development & Innovation Hub
Central to the success of AAM adoption is cultivating a skilled workforce and a culture of innovation. By investing in talent development initiatives and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, West Virginia positions itself as a hub for AAM innovation. Vertx Partners prides itself in serving as a state leader in this regard. However, it’s also crucial that WV policymakers and businesses are on board with this strategy.
The proactive approach to AAM adoption accelerates the state’s readiness for AAM integration. Additionally, it attracts top talent and fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Inaction
The world of technological innovation is fast-paced, and hesitation is costly. Delaying action on AAM adoption risks West Virginia falling behind other states in the race for technological and market supremacy.
The consequences of inaction are not merely economic but also strategic. Inaction means the state risks missing out on the opportunity to shape the future of transportation and secure its position in the global marketplace. By acting decisively now, West Virginia avoids the pitfalls of inaction, positioning itself as a leader in the AAM revolution.
Additionally, AAM is a topic of national security. As the Department of Defense continues its research of and integrates more AAM technologies into its repertoire, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the United States is also competing against near-peers vying for AAM supremacy. West Virginia’s early action has wide-reaching implications on the global scale, as well as on the national and state levels.
Taking the Next Steps
The time for West Virginia to capitalize on Advanced Air Mobility is now. By seizing the initiative, the state harnesses the transformative power of AAM technology. This drives economic growth, foster innovation, and secure its future prosperity.
More than that, embracing AAM speaks to West Virginia’s pioneering spirit, resilience, and determination to shape its own destiny. The skies beckon: opportunity awaits. Vertx believes it’s time for West Virginia to lead the charge in AAM adoption.
To read more about the Mountain State’s potential to invest early in AAM technology, check out the Vertx-commissioned Deloitte study exploring the topic.
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