Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data found that the Knoxville MSA generated $64.3 billion in economic output in 2023. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) just released an economic impact report from 2025, showing how the lab makes up about 5.5% ($3.6 billion) of that output every year.

Each day, thousands of people drive into Oak Ridge from across the Tennessee Valley to work at the National Lab and surrounding support organizations. Nationwide, ORNL supports a workforce of 25,800 jobs. Those folks are working on varying projects, from the construction of new facilities and maintenance to groundbreaking AI research, materials discovery, and energy generation.

As stated by Energy Secretary Chris Wright during his 2025 ORNL visit,  Oak Ridge is a “crown jewel” of the DOE. East Tennesseans have found that statement ot be true, as the lab was tapped to lead several efforts surrounding the DOE Genesis Mission.

ORNL’s new economic impact report also examined a broader innovation-driven impact through research, intellectual property, technology commercialization, workforce development and industry partnerships, alongside the measurable economic activity supported by laboratory spending.

Here are ORNL’s top five economic contributions

1. ORNL funding generated $2.39 in economic output per dollar

For every $1 in federal funding for ORNL in fiscal year 2025, an estimated $2.39 in economic output was generated across the United States. Overall, the laboratory generated an estimated $6.6 billion in U.S. economic output during the year.

ORNL spending supports economic activity that extends through businesses and communities as suppliers make purchases and workers spend their earnings.

2. ORNL activity supported 25,819 U.S. jobs

ORNL employed 7,427 people in fiscal year 2025, while economic activity associated with the laboratory supported thousands more jobs nationwide. For every 100 ORNL jobs, an additional 248 jobs were supported across the United States.

Altogether, ORNL activity supported an estimated 25,819 U.S. jobs, including jobs connected to scientific and technical services, health care, retail, construction, travel and other industries.

3. Tennessee gained $3.6 billion in economic output

ORNL’s economic impact is especially concentrated in Tennessee, where laboratory activity generated an estimated $3.6 billion in economic output and supported 17,058 jobs in fiscal year 2025. The Knoxville metropolitan area accounted for $3.3 billion in economic output and 15,645 of those jobs.

“At ORNL, we’re proud to translate scientific discovery and innovation to U.S. competitiveness and economic growth,” said ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer. “This report highlights how the laboratory’s work supports high-quality jobs, drives business activity and helps move new ideas to the marketplace.”

4. Small businesses received $497.5 million in ORNL spending

ORNL obligated more than $950 million for U.S. procurements in fiscal year 2025, with purchases spanning nearly all 50 states. Of that spending, $497.5 million went to small businesses, representing 48.5 percent of overall subcontract spending.

That included $88.3 million with veteran-owned small businesses, extending ORNL’s economic reach through the companies and suppliers that support the laboratory’s research mission.

5. ORNL innovation moves research toward the marketplace

ORNL’s economic impact extends beyond laboratory spending. In fiscal year 2025, researchers disclosed 294 inventions and received 73 U.S. patents, while the laboratory recorded 27 intellectual property licenses and 66 cooperative research and development agreements — pathways that help move scientific discoveries toward real-world use.

ORNL also worked with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and Tennessee Valley Authority economic development team to help secure $1.6 billion in capital investment through six projects, resulting in more than 1,000 high-paying Tennessee jobs.

“ORNL is a tremendous economic engine for Tennessee, and its impact is magnified through strong partnerships across the state,” said Shaun Gleason, director of Partnerships at ORNL. “When research institutions, industry and economic development partners work together, they help turn innovation into investment, job creation and lasting benefits for Tennessee communities.”

Innovation Crossroads is a key partner in commercialization

Innovation Crossroads offers another path from research to the marketplace. Since the entrepreneurial program launched a decade ago, it has supported 51 startups that have collectively secured approximately $320 million in follow-on funding, generated more than $40 million in sales and created more than 340 jobs. Half of its alumni companies remain in East Tennessee.

Those numbers tell only part of the story. ORNL’s full economic impact extends far beyond what can be captured in annual metrics. The laboratory’s investments in basic science lay the foundation for technologies that industry refines, scales and transforms into products, companies and entire markets over years — and often decades.

Explore ORNL’s full Economic Impact Report.

 

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