What is the Indiana GPS Project?
While Indiana has some noted strengths especially in economy-driving industries such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and computer systems design, the state has also faced economic and workforce challenges over the past decade that need to be addressed. The state’s recovery from the 2008 recession was slower than surrounding Midwest states; wages are lower than peer states; and the pandemic has negatively impacted our state and regional economies.
However, some new research points to ways that the state, regions, and even employers can spur some intentional, inclusive growth and be used to guide Indiana to a good economic trajectory via policy and program recommendations. Many of the ideas build on good work that is already taking place throughout the state.
The Indiana GPS Project is a series of multi-dimensional reports and one of the largest and most data-driving economic and workforce studies that has ever been developed for the state. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we focus on Growth and Prosperity in our State.
Indiana GPS Project Key Findings
While Indiana is fortunate to have the third-highest concentration of employment in advanced industries, these industries have been losing a productivity advantage relative to their counterparts in other states since at least 2007. The findings show the state has a solid foundation on which to build. However, we have challenges that need to be addressed with urgency and intentionality.
Indiana ranked just 37th among states for both its advanced-sector and whole-economy annual IT investment per employee.
Within the state’s advanced industries, advanced services have seen increased productivity, but Indiana is just 41st in the nation in advanced services employment.
The state’s recent (pre-pandemic) employment growth was stronger than our neighbors, but like our neighbors, Indiana’s employment growth lagged the nation.
Among all states, Indiana has the lowest share of employees working at new firms as well as more older firms than young firms—a trend that runs opposite to the country as a whole.
Like all states, Indiana has too few good jobs, with only 42% of Hoosier workers holding a job that provides a regionally adjusted, family-supporting wage and employer-sponsored health insurance.
The ability to secure a good job may be limited by educational attainment, and Hoosiers tend to overvalue a high school diploma and undervalue a four-year college degree.
A skilled workforce—and a growing population more generally—is needed to ensure a growing and dynamic economy in the years ahead.
Explore your region.
Click on a location to the left to see your region’s statistics.
Each regional page has a dashboard that shows the top industries by employment and statistics related to Advanced Industries, including average pay, number of jobs created, and more.
To understand how the regions were classified click here.
News
& Research
Indiana GPS Project Regional Stakeholder Webinar
Indiana GPS Project Key Findings and Recommendations
State of renewal: Charting a new course for Indiana’s economic growth and inclusion – Regional Map – Data
State of renewal: Charting a new course for Indiana’s economic growth and inclusion
State of renewal: Charting a new course for Indiana’s economic growth and inclusion – Executive Summary
