The SMART Congressional Initiative—short for Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow—is a bipartisan regional policy and innovation consortium. It unites:
- Congressional leaders from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
- Over 300 corporate, academic, and government stakeholders
- Leading R&D institutions and workforce development partners
Founded in 1999, SMART’s mission is to accelerate federal investment, regional innovation, and workforce readiness through data-driven collaboration.
Why SMART Matters in 2025 and Beyond
The SMART Congressional Initiative is recognized as one of the most effective regional innovation-policy platforms in the U.S.
High-Impact Economic Policy Alignment
SMART aligns federal funding and Mid-Atlantic innovation pipelines, especially in:
- Advanced manufacturing and supply chains
- Cybersecurity and national defense
- Workforce upskilling and veterans’ transition
- Clean energy and infrastructure
Trusted by Government and Industry
With participation from 39 Representatives, 8 U.S. Senators, and major federal agencies (DoD, DOE, VA, NASA), SMART influences both public legislation and private investment.
Measurable Results
- $625+ million in funded tech-sector projects
- 346+ strategic regional forums and events
- Veteran, workforce, and cybersecurity pipeline solutions delivered directly to Congress
SMART Programs, Forums, and Events
SMART TechTrends Conference
Held every spring, this innovation-focused summit convenes Mid-Atlantic leaders in defense, automation, research, and clean energy.
Next event: Atlantic City, Spring 2026.
SMART PROC GOVCON (Procurement GovCon)
A premier fall event (Frederick, MD) bridging government buyers, prime contractors, and small businesses.
Next: November 18–19, 2025.
Drive for Data Across America (DDAA)
A high-profile data-collection initiative traveling state-by-state (NJ, MD, PA, VA, DE) to collect real-time data on:
- Workforce shortages
- Veteran service gaps
- Emerging industry demands
Data is presented directly to U.S. Congressional Committees.
Current Focus & 2025 Strategic Priorities
Naval Shipbuilding Industrial Base Strengthening
New initiatives focus on shore-based industrial infrastructure to support U.S. Navy modernization.
Veteran Transition and Skills Mapping
SMART connects veteran talent to careers in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and green energy using AI-based credentialing and upskilling programs.
Mid-Atlantic Workforce Supply Chain Intelligence
Through DDAA partnerships with schools, chambers, and manufacturers, SMART identifies critical labor gaps and regional training priorities.
Location & Regional Focus
SMART serves the Mid-Atlantic region (NJ, DE, PA, MD, VA, DC), with national influence through Capitol Hill briefings and federal agency partnerships.
