‘Catalyst for thought leadership and technical innovation in undersea technology, cybersecurity and critical defense technologies’
‘The defense cluster has long been an important part of the economy of southeastern New England as well an integral component of our national security. The cluster has grown over the past 10 years as evidenced by the manufacturing of complex submarine systems and the research and development of advanced technologies such as those related to unmanned undersea vehicles.
In 2002, the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) was formed to identify, champion, and coordinate initiatives that contribute to the national security of the United States and the preservation and growth of the regional defense sector. SENEDIA’s membership is comprised of over 100 defense-oriented organizations representing industry, academia, and non-profit interests. Our alliance maintains detailed knowledge of the industrial base that supports our regional federal, defense, and homeland security installations. We provide up-to-date information for our members on relevant issues and initiatives in order to catalyze technical innovations in undersea technology, cybersecurity, and other critical defense technologies.
Ocean planning is an important asset to many elements of the defense cluster because it provides a framework that allows coordination of operations with other ocean uses and minimization of any potential impacts to ecological resources. The information available on the data portal for the Northeast is essential for any organization that has operations in the region’s waters. The plan and the data allow our members to make more informed decisions, for example, about where to test equipment and systems with minimal interference.
The Northeast Ocean Plan helps our member organizations more efficiently conduct their business which in turn helps them contribute more to the economy of our region. A recent report commissioned by SENEDIA, details that for Rhode Island alone, the defense cluster creates over 30000 defense jobs, has an annual economic impact of $4.3B, and is the highest wage sector for the state. Connecticut and Massachusetts can boast similar positive impacts from their defense clusters.’
Photograph provided by SENEDIA (background)