KJZZ

Two experts explain the importance of defense jobs in Arizona’s economy, and what needs to be done to attract the aerospace industry.

Dr. Werner Dahm, director of ASU’s Security and Defense Systems Initiative, and Dr. William Harris, president and CEO of Science Foundation Arizona, discuss the FAA competition for unmanned aircraft testing facilities. Dahm says 38 states are competing for one of six designations from the FAA, and whichever states get them will play a huge role in the future of the aerospace industry. Harris says a lot of people don’t realize how important the aerospace industry is in Arizona. He says the aerospace industry has plenty of jobs but not enough workers to fill them. Dahm says that it’s important that Arizona creates an ecosystem in which the industry can thrive. Both men say education is important, especially math and science.