Texas Unveils First Phase of Cluster Initiative

Gov. Rick Perry announced last month a long-term, strategic job creation plan that will focus state efforts on six industry clusters that economists say will be the engine of future job creation and economic growth in the U.S. Although the state already has an advantage in terms of a growing workforce, the key is retaining workers that are skilled and trained in emerging technology fields, the governor said.

A study conducted for the Texas Workforce Commission identified the following clusters for the state:

• Advanced technologies and manufacturing;
• Aerospace and Defense;
• Biotechnology and life sciences;
• Information and computer technology;
• Petroleum refining and chemical products; and
• Energy

Resulting from last year’s passage of Senate Bill 275, which called for the development of strategies to strengthen the competitiveness of key industry clusters, the initiative aims to attract and retain high-paying jobs. Legislators agreed that by identifying these clusters, the state would be better positioned to compete both nationally and internationally, according to the Governor's Office.

Under the plan, Gov. Perry will appoint a chair from the industry sector in each cluster to form teams charged with meeting long-term goals and objectives. The first task is for teams to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the individual clusters and recommend allocation of state resources. Teams will then submit final recommendations to the governor for review.

As part of the initiative, industry representatives, members of the academic community, economic development leaders and trade association members will be asked to help develop additional recommendations on economic industry clusters for the 2005 legislative session.

More information on the industry cluster initiative is available from Gov. Perry's website: http://www.governor.state.tx.us/