Executive Summary
The Digital Viking Technology Resort, conceptualized by Brian K. Long, represent a visionary national initiative poised to reshape the American economic and technological landscape for the next half-century and beyond. Likened to a “21st-century Marshall Plan” and comparable in vision to monumental projects like the Hoover Dam and Golden Gate Bridge, this initiative proposes the establishment of ten regionally distributed, state-of-the-art innovation hubs across the United States. At its core is a “Live, Learn, Work, Play” ecosystem designed to seamlessly integrate workforce training, manufacturing revitalization, entertainment, and education.
This comprehensive plan, submitted to the President of the United States and various federal department secretaries in May 2025, aims to serve as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, reindustrialization, and enhanced national security. The Technology Resorts are designed to address critical national needs by fostering a robust talent pipeline, reshoring essential industries, and accelerating technological innovation. Their anticipated profound impacts span across the education system, career pathways, recruiting, training, certifications, hiring, and onboarding processes, as well as the broader technology industry, economy, and international trade, positioning the United States for a new era of global leadership and prosperity.
1. Introduction: The Vision of Digital Viking Technology Resorts
The Digital Viking Technology Resorts initiative introduces a novel paradigm for national development, moving beyond traditional industrial parks or educational institutions to create integrated, self-sustaining communities. This ambitious vision is encapsulated in its “Live, Learn, Work, Play” ecosystem, a holistic approach designed to foster an environment where individuals can not only acquire critical skills and contribute to advanced manufacturing but also thrive socially and culturally. The fusion of workforce training, manufacturing revitalization, entertainment, and education forms the foundational pillars of these hubs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to national advancement.
The strategic intent behind the Technology Resorts is multifaceted, aiming to address several pressing national challenges. A primary objective is to establish these resorts as “talent engines” for high-paying, skilled trade careers in critical emerging technologies, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality (AR).2 This focus includes a strong emphasis on rapid recruitment and onboarding processes to quickly integrate trained personnel into the workforce.
A cornerstone of this talent development strategy is the innovative “Skills Passport Program”. This competency-based digital profile is designed to allow job seekers to effectively showcase their real-world skillsets and provide prospective employers with detailed training and assessment results. The intention is for this to serve as a more accurate and efficient alternative to traditional resumes, thereby fast-tracking access to employment opportunities. Complementing this, the initiative includes OEM Manufacturer Certification Programs, developed in collaboration with leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These programs are tailored to deliver job-ready talent equipped with practical, in-demand skills specifically relevant to today’s evolving manufacturing economy, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, AI, robotics, and green energy components.
Beyond workforce development, a crucial aspect of the initiative is OEM Manufacturing Reindustrialization. By anchoring OEM operations directly at each resort, the plan seeks to reshore essential industries, including semiconductor production, green energy components, and electronics. This aims to establish a national network of American-made production excellence, strengthening domestic capabilities.
To foster national unity and generate broad public support, the initiative plans to host ten traveling “United Above All Entertainment Expo” roadshows. These events, featuring live music, interactive exhibits, recruitment booths, and community programs, are designed to energize local economies and spark national enthusiasm for technological advancement and American reindustrialization.
The scale of this undertaking is underscored by its comparison to historical milestones. Brian K. Long, the visionary engineer and technologist leading Digital Viking, describes the Technology Resort concept as a “21st-century equivalent to the Marshall Plan” and likens its vision and national importance to the development of the Hoover Dam and Golden Gate Bridge. This framing highlights a comprehensive solution designed to reshape the American landscape—economically, socially, and industrially—for the next 50 years and beyond. The project’s submission to the President and federal secretaries in May 2025 further emphasizes its current relevance and high-level consideration within national strategic planning. The entire initiative operates under the “United Above All” banner, signifying a collaborative effort aimed at realigning America’s economic foundation through innovation, talent development, and cutting-edge industry collaboration.
The integrated “Live, Learn, Work, Play” model represents more than a collection of facilities; it is a holistic national development approach. By blending industrial productivity with quality of life, the initiative seeks to create vibrant, self-sustaining communities that can attract and retain talent in critical sectors. This comprehensive design aims to prevent brain drain and foster a dynamic, innovative culture that supports long-term national growth, addressing not only economic and workforce needs but also social and quality-of-life factors. Furthermore, the characterization of this concept as a “Legacy Initiative for the Next 50 Years and beyond” and a “21st-century Marshall Plan” indicates a recognition that regaining technological and economic dominance requires a sustained, multi-generational effort. This comparison to a monumental post-war rebuilding effort suggests a massive, coordinated national endeavor aimed at fundamentally strengthening foundational capabilities, thereby positioning the U.S. for enduring global leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, particularly in the context of intensifying competition with other global powers.
Table 1: Key Components of Technology Resorts and Their Expected Benefits
| Component | Description | Expected Benefit |
| Workforce Training & Recruitment: | Hands-on programs in advanced manufacturing, AI, AR, robotics, and other emerging technologies. | Creation of high-paying, skilled trade jobs; rapid talent acquisition and integration. |
| Skills Passport Program: | Competency-based digital profile showcasing real-world skillsets and assessment results. | Efficient and accurate hiring; alternative to traditional resumes; fast-tracked employment opportunities. |
| OEM Certification Programs: | Industry-tailored certifications developed in collaboration with major OEMs. | Production of job-ready talent with practical, in-demand skills. |
| OEM Manufacturing Reindustrialization: | Anchoring OEM operations at resorts to reshore essential industries (e.g., semiconductors, green energy). | Strengthening American production capabilities; boosting local economies; improving trade balance. |
| Entertainment Expo Roadshows: | Traveling events with live music, exhibits, recruitment booths, and community programs. | Uniting Americans; raising awareness and enthusiasm for technology; energizing local economies; inspiring youth. |
| “Live, Learn, Work, Play” Ecosystem: | Integrated hubs blending industrial productivity with quality of life. | Fostering vibrant communities; attracting and retaining talent; holistic national development. |
2. Strategic Importance to the United States
The establishment of Digital Viking Technology Resorts holds profound strategic importance for the United States, primarily by driving American reindustrialization and enhancing national security. The initiative is explicitly dedicated to “revitalizing American manufacturing through the Technology Resort Initiative”. A core tenet of this revitalization is the reshoring of essential industries, including critical sectors such as semiconductor production, green energy components, and electronics, by anchoring OEM operations directly at each resort. This reindustrialization is not merely an economic endeavor but a strategic imperative, designed to serve as a powerful catalyst for sustained economic growth and a significant strengthening of American production capabilities.
Beyond direct economic benefits, the Technology Resorts are critical for enhancing national security and building supply chain resilience in vital technological domains. The explicit goal of reshoring essential industries directly reduces the nation’s dependency on foreign technologies, thereby bolstering national security. This strategic objective is further reinforced by the initiative’s alignment with the revamped federal Tech Hubs Program, which aims to enhance “national security” by accelerating the commercialization of future technologies. The concentrated focus on critical tech sectors such as semiconductors, AI, and robotics is vital for achieving strategic autonomy and ensuring the continuous availability of components crucial for both economic stability and defense.
The repeated emphasis on “reshoring essential industries” and “strengthening national security” indicates a strategic motivation that extends beyond simple economic gain. This suggests that the United States has recognized vulnerabilities in its supply chains, particularly in critical technologies like semiconductors, which have been exposed by recent global disruptions. The Technology Resorts are thus designed not just to generate profit but to build a resilient domestic industrial base capable of withstanding geopolitical shocks and ensuring uninterrupted access to vital components, thereby safeguarding national interests and technological sovereignty. This approach ensures that the nation’s technological foundation is robust and less susceptible to external pressures.
Furthermore, while not explicitly detailed in the available information, the focus on “cutting-edge research and development”, “fostering technical innovation”, and “reasserting leadership in the global technology landscape” inherently implies a critical need for robust intellectual property (IP) protection. By bringing advanced research, development, and manufacturing processes back to the United States, the Technology Resorts would naturally create an environment where American intellectual property is developed, produced, and protected within national borders. This reduces the risks of theft, espionage, or unauthorized access that can occur in offshore manufacturing environments, contributing significantly to long-term competitive advantage and national security by preserving the fruits of American innovation.
3. Transformative Impact on Education and Workforce Development
The Digital Viking Technology Resorts are envisioned to fundamentally reshape the American talent pipeline, from early engagement in learning to seamless integration into high-tech employment. The core “Live, Learn, Work, Play” ecosystem is designed to skillfully fuse workforce training, manufacturing revitalization, entertainment, and education. This holistic environment aims to “stimulate and inspire the minds of our youth” by providing enriching opportunities and specialized training programs that ignite excitement for technology from an early age. The initiative also fosters “creativity, collaboration, and prosperity through education and entrepreneurship”. While the information does not explicitly detail direct integration with traditional K-12 or university curricula, the emphasis on hands-on, job-ready skills suggests a complementary or potentially alternative pathway that directly addresses existing gaps in current educational models, ensuring a more practical and industry-aligned approach to learning.
The resorts are poised to revolutionize career pathways by serving as “talent engines for high-paying, skilled trade careers in emerging technologies”. Acknowledging that “automation and AI are transforming the job landscape” and can lead to “displacement of workers”, the initiative proactively aims to “equip the workforce with skills that are complementary to technological advancements”. This strategic focus is intended to create a “plethora of high-paying, skilled trade careers” and significantly bolster economic mobility for individuals across various regions.
Innovations in recruiting, training, and certifications are central to this transformation. The “Skills Passport” program is a key component, described as a “competency-based profile” that allows job seekers to showcase their “real-world skillset” and provides “detailed training and assessment results”. This is positioned as a “more accurate and efficient alternative to traditional resumes,” designed to fast-track employment opportunities. External analysis supports the emergence of a “skills passport revolution,” with major employers and governments piloting systems that instantly verify abilities, leading to a notable trend where 45% of companies are dropping degree requirements for key roles in favor of skills-first hiring models. This digital repository of verified credentials, micro-certifications, and competency badges, often leveraging blockchain verification, signifies a fundamental shift away from academic degrees as the sole measure of capability, instead validating practical, real-world competencies. This approach directly addresses the industry’s demand for job-ready talent and has the potential to democratize access to high-paying jobs by prioritizing applied skills over traditional formal education, which may prompt traditional educational institutions to adapt their curricula and credentialing processes to remain relevant.
Furthermore, the OEM Manufacturer Certification Programs, developed in collaboration with leading manufacturers, are designed to ensure participants are “job-ready and equipped with the necessary skills”. These programs deliver “practical, in-demand skills tailored to today’s manufacturing economy”. While OEM certifications typically vary by manufacturer, the resorts’ role in offering these in collaboration with multiple OEMs suggests a concerted effort towards industry-aligned and potentially more standardized pathways for specific roles, ensuring broader recognition and portability of skills.
The initiative places a “strong focus on rapid recruitment and onboarding”. The Skills Passport directly supports this by providing a clear, verifiable record of competencies, which can significantly reduce the time and effort involved in candidate screening. Broader trends in hospitality recruitment, which Technology Resorts could leverage, include the use of AI-based candidate matching, conversational AI chatbots, and intelligent scheduling tools to further streamline hiring processes and improve efficiency.
The acknowledgment that “automation and AI are transforming the job landscape” and can lead to “displacement of workers” is met with a proactive strategy by the Technology Resorts. Their focus on “equipping the workforce with skills that are complementary to technological advancements” and creating “high-paying, skilled trade careers” demonstrates a deliberate effort to mitigate the negative social and economic challenges associated with automation. Rather than resisting automation, the initiative aims to upskill and reskill the workforce to collaborate effectively with advanced technologies, fostering a “symbiotic relationship between humans and AI”. This positions the resorts as a crucial mechanism for building workforce resilience and future-proofing against the inevitable shifts brought by technological progress.
The inclusion of “entertainment” and “Entertainment Expo roadshows” within a manufacturing and training initiative might initially seem unconventional. However, these events are explicitly stated to “unite the American people, raise awareness, and celebrate innovation,” as well as to “energize local economies and spark national enthusiasm”. This indicates a deliberate strategic approach to make technology and manufacturing appealing, particularly to younger generations, and to cultivate a sense of national pride and unity around technological advancement. It represents a soft power approach to talent acquisition and public buy-in, which is essential for the long-term sustainability and success of such a significant national initiative.
Table 2: Projected Impact on Workforce Development Metrics
| Metric | Qualitative Impact |
| Number of Skilled Trade Jobs Created: | Significant increase in high-paying, skilled trade careers. |
| Workforce with OEM Certifications: | Bolstered percentage of job-ready individuals with industry-specific skills. |
| Average Time-to-Hire: | Reduced time from application to employment due to efficient credentialing and recruitment processes. |
| Youth Engagement in STEM/Tech: | Inspired and increased participation of youth in technology-focused fields. |
| Economic Mobility: | Enhanced opportunities for individuals, both urban and rural, to thrive in a modern economy. |
| Job Displacement due to Automation: | Reduced risk of displacement by equipping workers with complementary AI/AR skills. |
4. Impact on the Technology Industry and Innovation Landscape
The Digital Viking Technology Resorts are poised to serve as significant catalysts for technological advancement and substantial growth within the technology industry. They are envisioned as “epicenters for cutting-edge research and development in critical sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and green energy”. A key aspect of their design is the co-location of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) operations, research labs, and training centers, which aims to streamline the innovation pipeline from initial concept to market realization. This integrated approach is designed to foster direct collaboration between OEMs and on-site research teams, facilitating the rapid development of next-generation technologies.
This integrated model allows the resorts to function as comprehensive innovation ecosystems, rather than merely specialized training centers. The fusion of education, research, and entertainment, alongside the co-location of OEM operations, research labs, and training centers, creates a self-reinforcing environment. In this setup, research and development directly inform and update training curricula, and newly trained personnel can immediately apply their acquired skills within the co-located manufacturing facilities. This accelerates the entire cycle of innovation, from ideation and prototyping to commercialization and seamless workforce integration, thereby cultivating a dynamic environment conducive to sustained technological leadership.
The resorts are also instrumental in accelerating the adoption and integration of emerging technologies, particularly AI, Augmented Reality (AR), and robotics. The provision of hands-on programs in advanced manufacturing, AI, and AR ensures that workers are not only familiar with but also adept at utilizing these advanced tools, which in turn enhances productivity and fosters a culture of continuous innovation. The model actively promotes a paradigm where “humans and machines collaborate to achieve greater efficiency and innovation” by integrating AI directly into training and manufacturing processes. Broader technology trends observed in the hospitality sector, such as the increasing adoption of AI, Virtual Reality (VR), AR, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), illustrate the types of advanced technologies that would be adopted, tested, and refined within the “Live, Learn, Work, Play” ecosystem of the Technology Resorts.
With OEM operations, research labs, and training centers co-located and a strong emphasis on emerging technologies like AI, AR, and robotics, the Technology Resorts possess the inherent capability to serve as real-world “testbed” environments for new industrial applications of these technologies. This unique setup would facilitate rapid prototyping, testing, and refinement of advanced manufacturing processes and AI-driven solutions within a controlled yet fully operational environment. This capability significantly accelerates the adoption curve for new technologies across the broader industry by providing tangible demonstrations of their practical viability and simultaneously training a workforce specifically skilled in their implementation.
5. Economic and Trade Implications for the U.S. and the World
The Digital Viking Technology Resorts are projected to have profound economic and trade implications for the United States and, by extension, the global landscape. They are designed to be a significant “catalyst for economic growth”, capable of stimulating local economies, creating high-paying jobs, and attracting investment, particularly in underserved regions. The initiative explicitly aims to “increase economic mobility” for Americans, benefiting both urban and rural populations. General advancements in technology are well-established drivers of economic expansion, contributing to increased productivity, enhanced innovation, and improved efficiency, all of which directly contribute to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. The technology industry alone has demonstrated its substantial contribution to the U.S. economy, accounting for $1.3 trillion of the US GDP in 2019. The strategic alignment of the Technology Resorts with the federal Tech Hubs Program, which seeks to bolster U.S. economic security and has already designated 31 Tech Hubs, further underscores the significant potential for a positive economic impact.
A critical objective of the initiative is to strengthen the U.S. trade balance. By actively “reshoring essential industries” and “bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.,” the Technology Resorts aim to “improve trade”. This involves reducing the nation’s “dependency on foreign technologies” and fostering “self-reliance on the domestic front”. The establishment of “mission-critical manufacturing zones” is specifically intended to “strengthen Trade & Diplomacy”. While the available information does not provide specific quantitative projections for GDP growth or trade balance improvements, the explicit focus on reshoring and domestic production of high-tech goods, such as semiconductors, green energy components, and electronics, directly implies a reduction in imports and a corresponding increase in domestic output. This shift would inherently lead to a positive impact on the overall trade balance.
The Technology Resorts initiative is a direct strategic response to global supply chain vulnerabilities and intensifying geopolitical competition. The emphasis on “reshoring essential industries” and regaining “dominance in the semiconductor and technology industries” represents a clear strategic move in response to recent global events, including pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and escalating geopolitical tensions. This indicates that the resorts are not merely an economic development plan but a critical component of a national strategy to secure vital technological capabilities and reduce reliance on potentially unstable foreign supply chains, thereby enhancing strategic autonomy in a competitive global environment, especially given the “intensifying competition for strategic advantage between the United States and China” in AI and other emerging technologies.
This initiative also carries the potential for a significant shift in the global division of labor and technology leadership. If successful, the reindustrialization efforts facilitated by the Technology Resorts, particularly in critical sectors like semiconductors and green energy, could profoundly alter the global technological landscape. By establishing the U.S. as a leading producer of these essential components, the initiative could shift the balance of power, potentially leading to new trade relationships and influencing global technology standards. This could also stimulate other nations to increase their investments in domestic tech manufacturing, leading to a more diversified but potentially more competitive global tech ecosystem. The initiative’s goal to “strengthen trade & diplomacy” suggests a vision of leveraging this renewed domestic strength for enhanced international influence and collaboration. While the primary focus is domestic strengthening, the goal to “attract foreign investment” suggests a selective approach to international engagement. The broader context of U.S. AI leadership further emphasizes the need for a “collaborative approach among policymakers, industry leaders, and global partners” for responsible AI development and sustained economic competitiveness.
The critical role of government policy in enabling this initiative is also evident. The submission of the plan to the President and federal secretaries and its explicit alignment with the revamped federal “Tech Hubs Program” indicate that the success of the Technology Resorts is heavily reliant on robust government support and favorable policy frameworks. This suggests a public-private partnership model where government investment and regulatory alignment, such as those provided by the CHIPS and Science Act, are crucial for attracting private industry participation and achieving the ambitious goals of reindustrialization and technological dominance. This highlights the indispensable nature of a supportive policy environment for the successful implementation of such large-scale national initiatives.
Table 3: Economic and Trade Impact Projections
| Indicator | Qualitative Impact |
| Contribution to GDP Growth: | Significant boost through increased productivity, innovation, and job creation. |
| Improvement in Semiconductor Trade Balance: | Reduced reliance on imports and increased domestic production, leading to a favorable shift. |
| Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Attraction: | Increased attraction of foreign investment into critical manufacturing zones. |
| Job Creation in Tech Manufacturing: | Substantial creation of high-paying jobs across various tech manufacturing sectors. |
| Global Technology Leadership: | Reassertion of U.S. dominance and leadership in the global technology landscape. |
6. Conclusion: Realizing the “Golden Era” of American Excellence
The Digital Viking Technology Resorts initiative stands as a visionary and comprehensive strategy designed to address multifaceted challenges facing the United States in the 21st century. It represents a holistic approach to integrating technological innovation, workforce development, and community engagement. The resorts are strategically positioned to bridge the national skills gap, reindustrialize critical sectors, enhance national security through supply chain resilience, and stimulate broad economic growth. This initiative is not merely an economic plan; it embodies a profound vision for a “Golden Era” of American excellence, aiming for a cultural and economic revival that will benefit generations to come.
The strategic advantages offered by the Technology Resorts are substantial. They are designed to ensure the United States maintains a competitive edge in the global market and fosters long-term economic resilience. The concept aims to fundamentally reshape the American landscape—economically, socially, and industrially—for the next 50 years and beyond, reflecting a deep commitment to future prosperity and security. The repeated articulation of a “Golden Era” for American excellence suggests a societal aspiration that transcends mere economic metrics. This vision implies a return to a period of widespread prosperity, national confidence, and cultural vibrancy, all rooted in technological leadership and self-reliance. This is a powerful narrative intended to reignite patriotism and purpose, indicating that the Technology Resorts are intended to foster a renewed sense of national identity and collective achievement, not solely industrial output.
To ensure the successful implementation and sustained long-term impact of this monumental initiative, several recommendations are critical:
- Sustained Public-Private Collaboration: The continued synergy between federal programs, such as the revamped Tech Hubs Program, and robust private industry investment is paramount. This collaborative model will be essential for securing the necessary resources, expertise, and political will to bring the resorts to fruition and maintain their operational excellence.
- Adaptive Curriculum Development: Given the rapid pace of technological change, continuous evolution of training programs is vital. Curricula must be agile and responsive to emerging technologies and evolving industry needs, ensuring that the Skills Passport remains relevant and widely adopted by both job seekers and employers.
- Defined Global Engagement Strategy: While the primary focus is domestic revitalization, a clear strategy for selective international collaboration and attracting foreign direct investment that aligns with national security and economic goals should be developed. This will allow the U.S. to leverage global partnerships strategically without compromising its self-reliance.
- Robust Performance Measurement and Iteration: Establishing clear, measurable metrics for success across economic, workforce, and innovation domains is crucial. A framework for continuous evaluation and adaptation of the resort model, based on these metrics, will enable ongoing optimization and ensure the initiative remains effective and impactful over its intended 50-year lifespan.
- Deep Community Integration and Equitable Social Impact: The success of the “Live, Learn, Work, Play” model hinges on its ability to foster vibrant communities and ensure equitable access to opportunities across diverse regions. This requires proactive engagement with local communities to understand their needs and integrate them into the resort’s development and operation, ensuring that the benefits are broadly distributed. The explicit mention of welcoming public feedback, including preferences for artists at events or potential city locations, is a subtle but significant element. For a “legacy initiative” of such national importance, public buy-in and perceived ownership are crucial for long-term sustainability and success. Engaging the public in the planning process can cultivate a sense of unity and shared purpose, mitigating potential resistance and ensuring the resorts genuinely serve the needs and aspirations of the American people, reinforcing the democratic principles underpinning a project likened to the Marshall Plan.
By meticulously executing these recommendations, the Digital Viking Technology Resorts can indeed lay the groundwork for a “Golden Era” of American excellence, fostering innovation, securing national interests, and ensuring prosperity for generations to come.