Economic Drivers

The Rhode Island market is growing! Rhode Island has established itself as a place where innovators can think big, start small and scale fast.

• New educational, entrepreneurial and global partnerships
• One of the strongest economies in the New England region.
  • Nearly 6,000 new jobs added in 2006
  • RI employment is expected to increase by over 55,000 jobs during the 2004-2014 period
  • $5 billion in development and construction underway throughout Rhode Island
• Leading industries: health services, tourism and manufacturing
• Tourism is RI’s 2nd largest—and fastest-growing—industry. Visitors contributed $2.78 billion in 2005.
• Growing industries: electronics, plastics, metal products, information technology and financial services
• Recognized producer of jewelry and boats, with strong focus on ocean technologies
• Home to 14 colleges and universities

The future of Rhode Island looks bright.