Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is Tennessee’s primary agency focused on fostering economic growth and community development. It aims to attract new businesses, facilitate the expansion of existing ones, and improve the overall economic well-being of all Tennesseans. The department is led by Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, who has served as TNECD commissioner since July 2022. During his tenure, TNECD has supported nearly 240 projects, which represent more than 32,700 job commitments and $14.2 billion in capital investment. Of those projects, more than 30 percent were the result of foreign direct investment. 

How does TEAM TN’s focus align with TNECD’s economic development goals? 

TEAM TN’s vision to establish Tennessee as a global leader in advanced mobility and, in effect, diversifying the state’s economy, attracting private investment and becoming a catalyst for innovation and technology transfer aligns strategically with TNECD’s objectives to build on the state’s deep manufacturing roots. Like TEAM TN, TNECD is working to attract new investment to the state that will align with the jobs of the future while also ensuring that Tennessee’s business climate is conducive for the success of our industries. Tennessee has deep roots in the automotive sector, with four original equipment manufacturers and 900+ suppliers operating in the state, so given the importance of this sector, it only makes sense that as the automotive industry innovates, Tennessee continues to lead in this space.

TEAM TN’s elevation of Tennessee as a place for world-class talent, leading research institutions, exceptional quality of life and business-friendly climate also highlights key points that TNECD utilizes for company recruitment to the state. The department is excited to support this extremely talented coalition of partners in an effort to make Tennessee a national hub for innovation and R&D investment.

How do you see TEAM TN helping Tennessee grow its leadership in the advanced mobility sector?

TEAM TN has put together a consortium of the best R&D assets the state has to offer, facilitating collaboration between universities, companies and workforce development partners. TNECD is excited to partner directly with the more than 200 stakeholders that TEAM TN has brought together, which in turn, will ultimately boost our department’s recruitment and expansion efforts.

How do initiatives like TEAM TN help support TNECD’s mission to attract, grow and retain businesses in the state?

The ability to showcase Tennessee’s alignment with our industry partners is a vital part of TNECD’s pitch for company relocation and expansion. TEAM TN and the consortium this organization has brought together are a vital asset to our team as we work to build on the state’s manufacturing roots, attracting R&D investment to the state. We will have the opportunity to leverage TEAM TN’s vast network of partners to connect potential companies with leading research teams to help fulfill a company’s research goal or workforce need.

TEAM TN emphasizes innovation in AI-inspired Information Communication Technologies, electrification, cybersecurity and automation. From TNECD’s perspective, how important are these technologies for the future of Tennessee’s advanced industries?

Advanced manufacturing and innovating the machinery of tomorrow are vital for a company’s evolution. The emphasis on these core technologies is timely to the projects TNECD is seeing in our pipeline. Our state is home to four automotive original equipment manufacturers and more than 900 automotive suppliers, and these companies rely heavily on innovative technologies to maintain a competitive edge. It is crucial that we build upon the state’s current position now so that Tennessee can lead the nation  in the future and can provide innovative and problem-solving technology that any company would benefit from.