Arkansas’ Future Depends on Engineering (Kim LaScola Needy Commentary)

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Arkansas business leaders are uniquely positioned to secure our state’s future by investing in engineering and technology talent. To compete and drive economic growth, Arkansas needs more engineers and data scientists working in our industries.

Heartland Forward’s recent economic impact report, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas College of Engineering, “Engineers, Computer Scientists and Data Scientists as Drivers of Economic Growth,” shows the incredible returns this investment could yield. By increasing the number of engineering graduates, supporting research and retaining talent within Arkansas, we can add $3.9 billion to the Arkansas economy by 2038.

Currently, Arkansas has one of the nation’s lowest shares of workers with engineering and computer science degrees, which directly affects our competitiveness. Increasing the engineering share of our labor force by even 1.1 percentage points could drive a 1.6 percentage-point increase in Arkansas’ GDP and create 19,000 new jobs. To make this happen, we need more than just graduates; we need an ecosystem that encourages these graduates to stay in Arkansas and contribute to the overall quality of life. That is where you, our business leaders, come in. Your support and investment will be essential to achieving this growth.

Beyond direct hiring, an investment in engineering education yields broad economic benefits. Engineering’s contribution to Arkansas’ GDP is 27.7% per worker over the past decade. As neighboring states surge ahead in engineering employment and research, the gap between Arkansas and other leading economies is widening. If we fall farther behind, Arkansans may see slower income growth and fewer opportunities. But with strategic public, private and philanthropic support, we can reverse this trend and build a future-ready workforce that fosters innovation, attracts investment and boosts incomes across Arkansas.

As one example, consider the unique opportunity sitting under our feet. Arkansas is home to a vast lithium deposit that demands additional engineers as this promising industry matures. Currently, the College of Engineering contributes more than $100 million to the state’s GDP, and with a strategic focus on growth, this impact could double within the next 15 years. Achieving this potential requires targeted investments in students, faculty, research and facilities to support the workforce pipeline essential to Arkansas’ industries, especially the lithium sector.

To make this vision a reality, we must work together through regional collaborations to retain our engineering talent and support an environment that drives future innovation. Coordinated regional collaborations throughout the state will strengthen our resources and expertise, ensuring that smaller communities enjoy the same benefits as larger regions. Supporting initiatives for upskilling through internships, co-op programs and research partnerships can provide hands-on experience to encourage graduates to build their careers here in Arkansas.

The stakes are clear: If we increase our state’s engineering and technology workforce, Arkansas’ GDP could rise by billions, benefiting businesses and communities alike. A robust engineering workforce fuels patent production, increases GDP per worker and brings long-term gains in income.

Arkansas’ business leaders play a vital role in this transformation, and your partnership today will foster a sense of pride and recognition on a state, regional and national scale.

Kim LaScola Needy is the dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas. A licensed professional engineer, Needy is a fellow of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers.