Pioneering in Geo-Economics

The science of geo-economics was pioneered and developed by McKinley Conway, a former NACA/NASA scientist. While elements of the discipline were introduced several decades ago, the full potential of the new science is just now receiving widespread appreciation.

What are the results to date? Here are some preliminary observations:

General achievements

1. The resurgence of the Southern region of the USA. More than any other individual, McKinley Conway was the architect of the South's remarkable transition from an agricultural region to one of high-tech industries. During the 1950s he served as Director of the Southern Association of Science and Industry, promoting research programs and science parks. He preached that development flows from technology which flows from science, and he forged links between them throughout the region.

2. A Secret Weapon in the Cold War. In the early days of the Cold War, Conway argued that it was not enough to SAY that the private enterprise system was better than the communist system -- it had to be PROVEN in the third world. One little-recognized factor was the selection of sites for new production facilities. In the communist world, sites were chosen arbitrarily by a central committee of the government. In the free world, geo-economic principles were applied -- communites competed in offering the best locations.

   Over a period of years, the better efficiency of free world producers won the Cold War. Geo-economics helped.

3. Exploiting the airplane as a development tool. As a pilot, aeronautical engineer and researcher, Conway was uniquely qualified to explore the new economic development opportunities made possible by advances in aviation. He recognized the possibilities of fly-in convenience and the increasing interdependence of cities and airports. He designed some two dozen airport business parks and founded the first total fly-in community. His book, "The Airport City", published in 1970, brought international acclaim. In it he asserted that the runway would become the main street of the new cities of the 21st century.

4. Drafting a development strategy for the world. By the 1980s Conway had identified a number of very large developments which he labeled "global super projects". These were ventures which involved an investment of more than US $1 billion and/or a technological breakthrough of global significance. Beginning in 1992 he began conducting an annual seminar which brings together the sponsors of these mega projects to explore mutual interests. His objective is to give priority to those super projects which will become part of a global system and meet the world's greatest needs. The ultimate objective is the enhancement of the quality of life for the people of the world..

Specific contributions of McKinley Conway

1. Establishing communication. In 1954 launched the first journal in the field. Today, Site Selection is an influential global magazine.

2. Creating a professional forum. In 1961 founded the Industrial Development Research Council which today is the most prestigious organization in the development field. There are more than 2000 members representing Fortune 500 firms and leading development agencies.

3. Inventorying resources. More than 30 years ago promulgated a "community audit" program for presentation, in uniform format, of the economic development attributes of thousands of communities throughout the USA and around the world.

4. Keeping score. More than 25 years ago began a new plant reporting service and established a data base listing new plant construction and expansion.

5. Environmental planning. In the 1960s conducted the first survey of planned business parks and began a decades-long campaign to promote this systematic solution of environmental problems. Some 20 years ago established the first annual award for excellence in the planning of industrial facilities to harmonize with the nature.

6. Business climate analysis. More than 25 years ago began an annual evaluation of "The Fifty Legislative Climates" detailing laws, regulations, taxes, and other factors influencing development.

7. International programs. During the 1960s planned and conducted the "AID/PEP" (Agency for Internastional Development/Private Enterprise Promotion) program for the U.S. Department of State. Working in some 18 nations set up more than 100 new development units which in turn launched industrial parks and other job-creating projects.

8. Networks. In 1983 launched the first digital data telecommunications network in the development field. Today, SiteNet and its spin-offs provide instant information service around the world 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

9. Global super projects. Some ten years ago began compiling data on very large scale projects which involved an investment of $1 billion each or which involved technological breakthroughs of global significance. This became the focus of an annual conference held by the World Development Federation, of which Conway is Chairman. This is producing new global thinking about project priorities.

10. Futurism. The common denominator throughout Conway's career has been development of the linkage between science, technology and economic development. He maintains a file on significant technical advances and periodically makes a forecast of impact on future development.