Economic Development
Advanced Mobility
Northwest Arkansas has enjoyed global business success, and logistics have been a large part of that growth. Investments in Advanced Mobility represent the next stage of growth. This includes drones, electric and autonomous vehicles, battery manufacturing, and transportation solutions.
Our region has unique urban-rural airspace, legacy aerospace, logistics, and retail industries, robust manufacturing workforces, and top-tier university research and military assets, which makes it positioned to establish itself as a national leader in Advanced Mobility. The annual UP.Summit convenes the world’s top investors, executives, startups, and founders to discuss the state of the industry.
Most recently, Runway, in partnership with Tulsa Innovation Labs, helped facilitate a memorandum of understanding between Arkansas and Oklahoma pledging that state and local leaders will work together around drones, electric vehicles, logistics and other multi-dimensional mobility technologies.
Cycling
Cycling is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Northwest Arkansas, and around the state. It has become a lifestyle for local residents; a major tourism destination through OZ Trails and the Mountain Biking Capital of the World™; and serves as a sustainable economic driver for the region. The cycling industry has realized the value of our cycling ecosystem. This has resulted in new jobs for the area, including both local startups and international presences. Specialized plans to open its third Experience Center in the U.S. this fall here in Bentonville. London-based cycling company Rapha relocated its North American headquarters from Portland, Ore., to Bentonville in 2020. Additionally, Allied Cycle Works manufactures carbon bicycles at their headquarters here.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation is part of our quality of life. It is a resource we are proud of. Few states have the diversity of experiences Arkansas has to offer, from trails, to paddling, to backcountry aviation. The Monument Trails are a collection of world-class, mountain biking destinations within Arkansas State Parks, funded in part by the Walton Family Foundation. Runway operates OZ Brands, which serves to promote all the unique outdoor activities we are so lucky to enjoy here in Northwest Arkansas. Additionally, OZ Brands works with local licensed partners, who are a key part of our local outdoor economy. For more information about how to become a licensee, contact us.