Florida’s Space Coast is helping shape the new space economy
As part of the Florida Economic Development Council IGNITE Annual Conference, the EDC convened a distinguished panel of aerospace leaders and hosted a group of national site selectors and VIP guests. The EDC convened and moderated the panel titled Beyond the Launch Pad: Leading Economic Growth in the New Space Economy. The panel featured representatives from Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and the Florida Institute of Technology.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Building on the excitement and momentum generated by the successful Artemis II mission, NASA KSC Visitor Complex provided a powerful backdrop for highlighting why Florida’s Space Coast is a premier destination for investment and business expansion.
As part of the Florida Economic Development Council IGNITE Annual Conference, the EDC convened a distinguished panel of aerospace leaders and hosted a group of national site selectors and VIP guests.
This provided an opportunity for site selection consultants to hear directly from industry and academic leaders about the factors shaping the Space Coast’s future.
The EDC convened and moderated the panel titled Beyond the Launch Pad: Leading Economic Growth in the New Space Economy.
The panel featured representatives from Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and the Florida Institute of Technology.
“The EDC extends its appreciation to the distinguished panelists who led an engaging discussion on how Florida’s Space Coast is helping shape the new space economy,” said EDC Vice President of Business Development Edgar Campa-Palafox.
In a discussion moderated by EDC Vice President of Business Development Edgar Campa-Palafox, the panel explored the aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, workforce, infrastructure, and research ecosystem driving business expansion on Florida’s Space Coast.
“The EDC extends its appreciation to the distinguished panelists who led an engaging discussion on how Florida’s Space Coast is helping shape the new space economy,” said Campa-Palafox.
Panelists included Mike Ferro of Boeing; Dr. John Nicklow, President of Florida Institute of Technology; Brian Baluta of Lockheed Martin; and Caitlin Lewis of Northrop Grumman.
During the session, site selectors and attendees heard firsthand how the Space Coast’s business environment, talent pipeline, infrastructure investments, and technology ecosystem, supported and enhanced by the EDC’s leadership, continue to serve as powerful drivers of investment, talent attraction, and innovation across the region.
