Appalachian Energy Supply Chain Intelligence & Supplier Readiness Exploration

EMSDC, as part of a broader regional Supply Chain Working Group supporting the SMART
(Small Modular & Advanced Reactor Training) initiative, seeks student collaboration to
explore the development of a regional supplier intelligence and readiness platform
focused on emerging advanced energy and small modular reactor (SMR) supply chains
across Appalachia.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), along with public and private sector
partners, is supporting efforts to prepare the region for significant growth in advanced
energy technologies, including small modular nuclear reactors, advanced manufacturing,
energy infrastructure, and related industrial supply chains. Small modular reactors—often
referred to as SMRs—represent an emerging generation of nuclear energy technology
designed to provide scalable, lower-carbon, and more flexible energy production for future
industrial, commercial, and grid needs.
As federal investment, private development activity, and energy infrastructure planning
continue accelerating, there is growing interest in ensuring that Appalachian businesses
are positioned to participate in these future supply chains. However, one of the largest
current challenges is visibility: many organizations do not yet have a clear understanding of
which regional companies may already possess relevant capabilities, which suppliers
could potentially transition into advanced energy work, where supply chain gaps exist, or
what readiness factors suppliers may need to address to participate successfully.
Within the broader working group, EMSDC’s role is focused specifically on the supplier
side of this effort — helping identify capable regional companies, engaging suppliers
throughout Appalachia, understanding potential supply chain alignment opportunities,
and helping connect businesses to future industry pathways, training resources, and
ecosystem partners.
This project would explore practical approaches to organizing, mapping, and visualizing
regional supplier ecosystem intelligence using publicly accessible and limited
organizational data sources.