University of Missouri

Technology Park at Fort Leonard Wood

Q: What is the overall mission of the University of Missouri Technology Park at Fort Leonard Wood?

A: The mission is to provide locations on the United States Army post to businesses, agencies and organizations that support or enhance the missions, activities and strategic goals of Fort Leonard Wood.

Q: Who are the key players in the development of this technology park?

A: The Technology Park at Fort Leonard Wood was developed by the University of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Economic Development with the backing of Fort Leonard Wood. The $2 million building is jointly financed by the University of Missouri System and the Department of Economic Development through its subsidiary, the Missouri Technology Corporation.

Q: Where is the technology park located?

A: The park is a 62-acre site on Fort Leonard Wood, an Army post located near St. Roberts, Missouri in the Ozark Mountains.

Q: Why develop a technology park at Fort Leonard Wood?

A: A demand survey indicated the need for office space for private Army contractors. In addition to the security value, several other factors make this location particularly appealing. The site required little infrastructure development as it was already serviced by paved roads, gas, water, sewage and electricity. The post is served by fiber optic rings which can be extended into the technology park. This location has easy access to interstate, rail and a regional airport, as well as the University of Missouri -Rolla which is 30 miles to the northeast.

Q: What benefits does the technology park offer to Fort Leonard Wood?

A: The technology park creates an opportunity for corporate vendors and academic institutions who share the Army’s interests to co-locate on the post. The park also fosters regional economic growth, provides new employment opportunities to the spouses of military personnel and offers increased amenities and services to the soldiers and their families.

Q: How does the University of Missouri benefit from the technology park?

A: This technology park allows for expanded opportunities for technology transfer, economic development and continuing education. It also increases the number of in-state jobs available for University of Missouri graduates and provides quality work experience for graduate and undergraduate students while they are in school/training.

Q: How does the State of Missouri benefit from the technology park?

A: The park facilitates the interaction between technology-based businesses and the Army within the state and leverages the post’s expansion into greater economic growth.

Q: What role does Fort Leonard Wood play in national defense?

A: In 1999, the Army moved its Chemical Defense and Military Police Schools to Fort Leonard Wood. They joined the Army Engineer School already located at Fort Leonard Wood to create the Maneuver Support Center (MANSCEN) command. Fort Leonard Wood also has the largest joint service training mission in the Army and the second largest basic training mission.

Q: How large is Fort Leonard Wood?

A: The average daily population has increased from 21,000 to more than 30,000 people. Approximately 12,000 of those are military dependents who historically have had difficulty finding employment in the local job market.