Methods
After examining the proposed Corridor in four phases, both qualitative and quantitative, we propose a course of action that uses innovation ecosystem approach to encourage more collaboration across regions and sectors and uses targeted industry clusters as a driving force behind a regional vision. We then identified 12 issue areas of most importance for policymakers and planners to account for when crafting strategies to realize the goal of more broad-based development and industry cluster growth in this study area during a COVID-19 recovery.
Our blueprint offers ideas for investing in people, places, and industry clusters that can help propel the wider region into the global ranks of top places to live, work, innovate, and thrive. The region has an abundance of universities and colleges, a well-educated and trained talent pool, many startup and innovation support entities, and communities with a strong sense of place. However, leaders will have to incorporate ways to tackle issues such as lack of economic mobility, affordable housing, and accessible effective public transportation.
We identified four industry clusters that hold promise for long-term sustained growth in North Carolina: agricultural technology, biohealth, power electronics for transportation, and defense technology.