Key Industries

The Aerospace sector is focused on ensuring that Washington State maintains its global leadership as an aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) manufacturer and as a valued supplier to a global supply chain of aerospace companies and airlines. The sector also works with industry leaders to align workforce training programs with business needs and enact policies that will spur further growth and investment in the aerospace sector statewide.

The Agriculture sector is focused on expanding markets for Washington’s 300 crop commodities as well as manufactured foods through the elimination of trade barriers, reduced and streamlined regulations, and increased efficiencies in transportation, while managing and protecting the state’s precious natural resources and existing farmlands.

Transforming an idea into a viable product or service, one that can be monetized, sold and resold, is so powerful for an economy. As we have seen throughout our state’s history, it can transform an industry, and It certainly increases wealth and equity throughout the state while ensuring diversity and inclusivity. The creative sector employs more than 180,000 workers, including designers, artisans, 3-D technologists, digital designers and many more traditional and emerging disciplines.

Transforming an idea into a viable product or service, one that can be monetized, sold and resold, is so powerful for an economy. As we have seen throughout our state’s history, it can transform an industry, and It certainly increases wealth and equity throughout the state while ensuring diversity and inclusivity. The creative sector employs more than 180,000 workers, including designers, artisans, 3-D technologists, digital designers and many more traditional and emerging disciplines.

Washington’s Forest Products sector has provided wise stewardship of our natural resources and community sustaining, family wage jobs for more than 165 years. Despite challenges, the industry’s ability to innovate, modernize and diversify provides proof that this giant piece of Washington’s past will also play a critical role in our future. Factoring in pulp and paper and value-added wood products (such as doors, window frames and stairs), forest products is the 3rd largest manufacturing sector in Washington.

This industry is also known as a circular economy. It is one that diverts materials from the landfill, transforming waste from one industry into a valuable product in another. In contrast to what has been our linear economy — one that depends on extraction/conversion of raw materials into finished goods — there are many advantages. Specifically, it stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship, creating new opportunities for businesses. Washington State is building a stronger circular economy — the next industrial revolution will demonstrate that growth does not have to equal waste to be sustainable, integrated, climate-friendly and profitable.

Few places in the country can match Washington’s talented pool of information and communication technology (ICT) workers, whether they work in small start-ups destined to be the next business legend or companies that have had a global impact on the marketplace. The ICT sector strategy facilitates sustainable investment, top talent capacity and growth in the state’s leading-edge technology sector, including software, networks, gaming, ecommerce and big data.

This sector is comprised of world-class research institutions, motivated and talented entrepreneurs and well-established organizations recognized for their breakthrough discoveries. The Life Science/Global Health sector is focused on recruiting new companies and organizations to Washington, helping existing ones expand and grow, and increasing the number of internationally known researchers and federal funding for Washington’s research institutions.

Leveraging Washington’s maritime roots, this sector is focused on promoting policies and actions that sustain the health of the industry while creating a strong base for future growth, including addressing permitting issues that can be a roadblock to investment in marine businesses. The Maritime sector is also committed to closing gaps in training and education for maritime trades and promoting maritime economic development statewide.

This sector supports the state’s economic growth through a diverse set of defense capabilities and military installations, contractors, vendors and military-friendly communities. It focuses on three key issues: mitigating military downsizing across the state, advocating for the sector in- and out-of-state, and addressing the challenges and opportunities for growth with a focus on base realignment and closure (BRAC) and the successful transition of service members to civilian life.

The fourth largest industry in Washington, Tourism follows ICT, aerospace and forest products, generating roughly $22.1 billion in annual revenue, with more than 180,000 workers across this sector. Industry data estimates that every dollar a tourist spends generates $1.36 in additional economic impact. Two-thirds of travelers are state residents who enjoy Washington’s year-round recreation and sports opportunities.