Arkansas is a major producer of a commodity that is tough to live without: electricity. From electronics engineering and advanced microelectronics to producing and managing the flow of electric energy, Arkansas has a legacy of excellence in electrical and electronics engineering. Power is a major piston in our economic engine, and it is driving innovation in a critical industry growth opportunity for the state.
According to a recent report commissioned by Arkansas Research Alliance and compiled by TEConomy Partners, Arkansas employs more than 18,000 people in the energy and infrastructure sector, which is 28 percent more concentrated than the U.S. average. The presence of a unique constellation of utility providers and managers, such as Entergy, Southwestern Electric Power Co., Southwest Power Pool and Midcontinent Independent System Operator, generates a critical mass of demand for new technology applications.
Arkansas’ academic research base continues to build expertise in managing how critical systems and their components interact. This is important as the grid evolves to support increased generation sources with a need for increased resiliency. Among the research hubs is the University of Arkansas Power Group, which trains, educates, enables and inspires a broad array of engineers and leaders to address global energy challenges. The Power Group heads several labs and centers that comprise the most comprehensive university-based electronic packaging facility available in the United States. The work was recently awarded $18 million from the National Science Foundation to establish a national silicon carbide research fabrication facility. Silicon carbide is used to make semiconductors faster and more resistant to extreme environments, among other benefits.
“Arkansas is uniquely centered in energy- and electronic-related spaces,” said Bryan J. Barnhouse, president and CEO of ARA. “Our state’s ability to produce reliable, affordable and sustainable power elevates our manufacturing profile, which, in turn, has jump-started research in fields related to power and electronics. It’s really a good example of industry and research intersecting for competitive advantage.”
The state’s deep bench of industrial and research assets represents a significant opportunity for Arkansas. Amidst a renewed focus on the strategic importance of the domestic semiconductor industry, the interplay of circuit, device and grid-scale electronics is witnessing remarkable growth propelled by several key market forces.
From the imperative of grid resilience and reliability to the surge in electrification and Internet of Things proliferation, market forces are reshaping industries and driving demand for cutting-edge solutions. Arkansas can position itself to capitalize on these favorable trends in the years to come.
Where can Arkansas take the lead? Fast-growing industries such as cybersecurity, electrified steel production, electric vehicle component development, battery manufacturing, and aerospace and defense already have a foothold, and Arkansas and can be expected to grow with focus and investment.
The report from TEConomy Partners, Enabling an Innovation-Led Future for Arkansas: University Research Competencies Aligned with Industry Growth Opportunities, outlines the growth opportunity in detail. The report is available free to download at aralliance.org/resources.
“We cannot stress enough how important it is that Arkansas leverage these seven growth opportunities,” Barnhouse said. “With Arkansas power demands expected to double over the next five years because of the growth in [artificial intelligence], lithium, steel, timber and aerospace, we encourage business leaders and researchers to find common ground on innovation so we can keep our industries ahead of their competition. “
This is the second in the series, “Seven Growth Opportunities for Arkansas,” the results of findings from a comprehensive report composed by leaders from the private and public sectors.
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