What is the Weather Enterprise?
Behind every forecast, warning, and weather model is a vast network of people, systems, and innovations working together. It's more than just meteorology; it's a dynamic ecosystem driving safety, science, and society forward.
"The assembly of academic, governmental, and private-sector (i.e., industry) organizations that serve as generators and providers of weather, water, and climate information. The goal of the Enterprise is to deliver the most accurate, timely, and relevant information to a wide array of users, from public safety officials and water managers to businesses and nonprofits. All three sectors of the Enterprise—academia, government, and industry—play a critical collaborative role in understanding, observing, predicting, and communicating weather, water, and climate information. Specifically, the contributions of each sector include
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Academia: Advances scientific literacy, discovery, and innovation that inform and contribute to operations by the government and industry. Academic organizations include but are not limited to universities, basic and applied research laboratories, and government-funded research institutions.
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Government (i.e., public sector): Provides foundational Earth system observations, tools, research, forecasts, and warnings that support (i) decision makers and the public, (ii) academic research, and (iii) commercial products and services developed by industry.
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Industry (i.e., commercial providers, private sector): Advances innovation through private investment, commercializes academic and government information into value-added applications, and distributes weather, water, and climate information via TV, radio, smartphones, Internet, and proprietary business systems. This sector includes data collectors, prediction and decision service providers, media, consultants, equipment providers, etc."
- American Meteorological Society Glossary
The Need for Collaboration
No single sector can meet the growing demands of weather prediction, resilience, and innovation alone. True progress depends on strong collaboration between public institutions, private innovators, and academic leaders working together.
No One Can Do It Alone
The complexity of today's environmental challenges demands input from every corner - science, business, emergency management, infrastructure, and beyond.
Critical Gaps, Shared Responsibility
Forecasting and resilience efforts fall short without cross-sector cooperation. Collaboration is the only path to closing gaps in data, communication, and action.
Different Strengths, One System
Each sector brings unique tools and expertise to the table. When aligned, they form a unified system capable of protecting lives, property, and long-term sustainability.
AWEA Fills a Longstanding Void
AWEA allows the Weather Enterprise to establish a cohesive identity while also advocating for pro-growth and pro-jobs policies. We will also work to foster public-private partnerships and create a unified voice to articulate the importance and value of the enterprise, enabling a resilient, efficient, and end-to-end weather value chain.
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