Economy and Workforce
Rhode Island’s compact size, accessible peer networks, and strategic location in the densely-populated and resource-rich Northeast provide an ideal environment for growing businesses. In addition, the state’s widely-acclaimed quality of life enables firms to recruit and retain high-quality workers.
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Rhode Island’s Innovation Economy
Rhode Island’s economy centers on a number of large and growing industry sectors: health care, financial services, marine products, defense and manufacturing. Located in the midst of the Northeast “knowledge corridor,” Rhode Island is also a center of higher education, with such institutions as Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales and Bryant University. In addition, the U.S. Navy has long had a significant presence in the Newport area, home to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center and the U.S. Naval War College. Rhode Island’s well-developed tourism industry, and its range of scenic and cultural attractions, draw visitors from all over the world.
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A Productive and Skilled Workforce
Rhode Island's workforce is known for its high productivity and diverse set of skills. The state's long tradition in metal, electronics, plastic and other manufacturing is complemented by an expanding workforce in financial and business services, life sciences and information technology. In addition, Rhode Island's strategic location enables companies to draw highly-educated workers from throughout southern New England. Almost two-thirds (64%) of New England's population lives within 75 miles of Providence, a higher proportion than either Boston or Hartford.
Irena Nedeljkovic-Cunningham