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Engines of the Texas Economy

The Texas Industry Cluster Initiative is leading the state toward realizing Governor Rick Perry's vision to build the future economy of the state of Texas by focusing on strengthening competitive advantage through six target industry clusters.

"This cluster initiative is important because for the first time in the history of this state, we will have a coordinated, market-driven economic development strategy that focuses on areas where we have the greatest growth potential and focuses on fostering that potential."- Governor Rick Perry

The assessment phase of this initiative actively engaged a broad cross-section of over 700 stakeholders throughout the state. Collectively, the findings and recommendations call for strategies to develop a skilled workforce, a competitive education system, and an effective commercialization process for products and technology supported by a highly efficient supply chain.

Further background information follows, including the original press release, frequently asked questions and the strategic plan plus a briefing document on Crosscutting Cluster Issues.

Texas Industry Cluster Initiative Background

• Governor Perry Announces Industry Cluster Initiative October 20, 2004
• Crosscutting Cluster Issues Briefing (PDF)
• P³ - The Texas Model for Public Private Partnerships (PDF)
• The Potential Impact of an Initiative to Increase the Pool of Engineering Graduates on Business Activity in Texas (2007) (PDF: 3.5 MB)

Meeting Industries' Critical Workforce Needs Grant Announcements (2006-2007)

• TWC Announces a $4 Million Grant Opportunity for the Aerospace and Defense and Energy Cluster (PDF)
• TWC Announces a $3 Million Grant Opportunity For the Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing Cluster Initiative (PDF)
• TWC Announces $3 Million Grant Opportunity For Governor's Cluster Initiative (PDF)
• Governor Announces $3 Million to Develop Biotech Workforce of the Future (PDF)
• TWC Announces Grant Recipients for Energy, Aerospace and Defense Clusters (PDF)
• TWC Announces $2 Million Grant Opportunity for Governor's Cluster Initiative (PDF)
• TWC Announces $2 Million Awarded for the Governor's Cluster Initiative (PDF)
• Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing Consortium Partners with Texas State Technical College Marshall for a $500,000 Governor's Cluster Initiative Grant (PDF)

Regional Strategies - Non-traditional, Cluster-based Workforce Development Programs (2007)

• Aerospace Workforce Innovation Network (AWIN) (PDF)
• Aerospace/Advanced Manufacturing Grant (PDF)
• Austin Biotech Workforce Education Consortium (PDF)
• Central Texas Energy Cluster Workforce Consortium (PDF)
• Education/Training Programs at UTA for Autonomous Unmanned Systems (AUS) (PDF)
• E-Transformation Alliance (E-TA) (PDF)
• Dream It Do It North Texas (PDF)
• Bridges to the Future (PDF)
• Whyville Biotech & Whyville Advanced Technologies (PDF)
• Regional Learning Communities (PDF)
• Texas Nuclear Workforce Development (PDF)

Texas Industry Cluster Assessments 2005

• Texas Industry Cluster Initiative Background (PDF)
• Acknowledgements (PDF)
• Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing Cluster Assessment (PDF)
• Aerospace and Defense Cluster Assessment (PDF)
• Biotechnology and Life Sciences Cluster Assessment (PDF)
• Information and Computer Technology Cluster Assessment (PDF)
• Petroleum Refining and Chemical Products Cluster Assessment (PDF)
• Energy Cluster Assessment (PDF)

Texas Industry Cluster Briefings 2005

• Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing Cluster Briefing (PDF)
• Aerospace and Defense Cluster Briefing (PDF)
• IT Cluster Briefing (PDF)
• Biotechnology and Life Sciences Cluster Briefing (PDF)
• The Talent Race (PDF)
• Workforce Planning to Support Texas' Target Industry Clusters (PDF)
• 5th World: 21st Century Science, Technology, Demography, Workforce and Economic Development (PDF)