Technology Projects
The Center for Economic & Community Engagement (CECE) works with industries to help companies access intellectual capital to develop new materials and processes that will improve efficiency and increase their market share.
Measuring the Effects of Drone Delivery in the United States
CECE, the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) studied the impact and benefits of drone delivery in three metropolitan communities, Christiansburg, VA; Austin, TX; and Columbus, OH.
Autonomous Systems in Virginia
Virginia has the opportunity and the capability to be a national leader in the autonomous vehicle field with the potential of yeilding thousands of high-paying jobs. Through this report, Virginia Tech became a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) test site. CECE provided an overview of the issues and opportunities concerning autonomous vehicles in order to support informed decisions.
Blacksburg Airport Analysis
CECE completed a study examining the economic impact the Virginia Tech—Montgomery Executive Airport (VTMEA) brings to the New River Valley (NRV). CECE found three primary ways current operations contribute to the local region. The full report details these impacts.
Future of Virginia Aviation
CECE is working to create a plan to strengthen the aviation and aerospace workforce in Virginia.
Proposal to Expand Small Satellite Research
CECE evaluated a proposal by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium for the Small Satellites Virginia Initiative program and found the prorgam could bring up to $16.2 million to the state.
"Virginia small satellite initiative investment could return millions" (PDF)
The Economic Impacts of Trichoderma and Cocopith in Bangladesh, India, & Nepal
CECE travelled to Bangladesh, India, and Nepal to work with IPM and USAID to assess how Trichoderma and cocopith affect farmers, factory owners, manufactures, nursery owners, and day laborers who use these natural products in their efforts. The report outlines how these products can affect the economic livelihood of a number of people.
New research on sustainable agriculture shows why farmers adopt or dismiss nontoxic farming methods
Full Report