Ecosystem 8 in Mississippi spans several key counties, including Marion, Lamar, Forrest, Perry, Greene, Pearl River, Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson. This region is heavily focused on aerospace, logistics, and advanced manufacturing due to its strategic location along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Aerospace is a major industry in Ecosystem 8, with numerous job opportunities for aerospace engineers, aerospace technicians, and logistics specialists supporting the development, testing, and production of aviation and space technologies. The proximity to Stennis Space Center and other aerospace facilities makes this ecosystem a vital hub for innovation in the aerospace sector.

The logistics and transportation sector also plays a significant role, leveraging the region’s access to major highways, ports, and airports. This sector requires skilled workers such as commercial truck drivers, warehouse managers, and logistics coordinators to facilitate the movement of goods both regionally and nationally.

Additionally, advanced manufacturing remains a strong contributor to the local economy, with high demand for machine operators, industrial maintenance technicians, and welders who support the manufacturing of products for various industries, including defense, automotive, and aerospace.

Ecosystem 8’s community colleges and vocational schools offer training programs tailored to these high-demand industries, ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to meet the needs of employers. With its combination of aerospace innovation, manufacturing strength, and logistics capacity, Ecosystem 8 remains a critical driver of Mississippi’s economic growth.