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By Trevor Hill
June 16, 2014 (San Diego)--On Tuesday, June 10th, experts in the field of drone manufacturing convened at a summit at the Liberty Station Conference Center to discuss the implications and details of the industry, which is currently booming in San Diego.
The purpose of the conference was to discuss methods to promote the drone industry in California, which is quickly becoming the nation’s drone capitol. However, some other talking points included strategies for economic growth, as well as finding a healthy medium between supplying high tech aerial surveillance equipment to the public and maintaining the privacy of Californians.
Drone manufacturers want to capitalize on San Diego’s workforce and geographical location in order to create the most efficient drone-producing industry possible. The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation describes San Diego County as a “center of entrepreneurship and innovation with one of the most highly educated workforces in the world; more than 80 academic and applied research institutions; access to venture capital; and thriving technology, military and tourism sectors.” It’s no wonder that manufacturers want to build their factories here.
However, drone manufacturers have seen strong opposition from San Diego residents. San Diego’s desert climate is a double-edged sword for drone testing. While the large uninhabited deserts are perfect areas for flying drones, the dry heat means drone crashes have a very high risk of starting wildfires (something San Diegans are far too familiar with).
Additionally, there are major concerns about privacy which need to be addressed in a serious way. Would allowing citizens the ability to spy on one another from the sky be ethical? And even if they weren't sold commercially or tested in San Diego, many residents would still have a moral problem with producing drones for military use, which is a highly controversial issue in the US.
Because of pressure from San Diegans (and especially East County residents), drone manufacturers are either going to have to work with the public and address its concerns or pack their bags and move somewhere else.
Reporting for East County Magazine on KNSJ, this is Trevor Hill.
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