Since Fort McClellan officially closed in September 2000, the Joint Power Authority (JPA) has been responsible for the “orderly reuse and redevelopment” of this 26,000 acre former military base. The vision for the reuse is broad and multifaceted, encompassing residential, retail, light manufacturing as well as research and development.

The JPA has recognized the opportunity to create a research park within the McClellan campus and selected Angelou Economics to evaluate potential strategies. As part of the planning process, Angelou Economics has release the first draft of the McClellan R&D Strategic Plan.

According to Chris Engle, vice president of Angelou Economics, "Technology-based economic development" focuses on how to create jobs in technology industries (e.g. computer or software) or tech-intensive industries (aerospace, logistics). We typically create strategies that cover several ways to create jobs, through increased entrepreneurship (such as creating an incubator), to expanding existing companies (through business assistance programs) or recruitment (such as creating a technology brand for a community and a marketing plan).

A research park at McClellan could take one or many forms: the recruitment of new technology businesses, bidding for and attracting new government research facilities, the formation of high growth startups, and/or the increased involvement of Jacksonville State University and Gadsden State in research activities.

This first report provides the necessary framework for the development of an R&D strategy. It offers an assessment of local and state economic and R&D assets and then identifies opportunities for McClellan.

Read the related December 14, 2006 article in the Anniston Star.

Other articles about this process

• R&D Strategy for Success 11/20/2006
• JPA and community leaders discuss possible research center 9/14/2006

The draft report is available online from www.mcclellanresearch.com

revised 12/18/2006