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 and 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)
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)
Innovation & Successful Partnerships Summit
The Innovation & Successful Partnerships Summit was held on September 2, 2010 in Houston, Texas for industry executives to learn about the unique skills, technologies and partnering opportunities at the NASA Johnson Space Center, as well as the research and commercialization opportunities that exist for Texas businesses. The Summit was led by the Greater Houston Partnership, the Johnson Space Center Team, and the Texas Workforce Commission in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and Rice University.
The following report presents the common findings and recommendations gleaned from conversations among representatives of industry, Johnson Space Center and its contractor partners, policy makers and educators from across Texas. Specifically, the report focuses on Johnson Space Center's changing mission, identifies current opportunities and challenges to enhance the process and partnerships for both the Johnson Space Center and industry partners, and provides recommendations from the core findings of the Summit. The report frames the critical issues derived from the Summit as well as proposes a road map to guide Johnson Space Center and industry towards a future of successful partnerships. For more information on the Johnson Space Center and the Innovation & Successful Partnerships Summit visit http://www.nasa.gov/offices/ipp/centers/jsc/summit/index.html.