Our Region Industries
Our Region Industries
From aerospace to the blue economy, our region is home to six emerging and thriving industry clusters that are fueling growth and creating exciting opportunities in Eastern North Carolina.
NCEast Alliance and our partners are investing heavily in building a strong pipeline of skilled talent for our industry clusters through STEM programs, community colleges, and partnerships with local employers.
We are excited about the energy, growth, and opportunities these industries bring to our region, all while preserving Eastern North Carolina’s unique heritage and lifestyle.
NCEast Alliance’s Industry Clusters:
- Aerospace & Aviation
Eastern North Carolina’s Aerospace & Aviation sector is soaring with opportunity. This cluster supports global aviation leaders through advanced maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and that’s only scratching the surface of the ways Eastern North Carolina is contributing to this industry.
- Smart Ag
SmartAg is pioneering the future of farming and combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices. From precision agriculture to advanced technology and automation, Eastern North Carolina is at the forefront of the movement to feed a growing world while protecting natural resources.
- Healthcare
With a focus on improving outcomes and access, our Healthcare cluster supports regional employers while identifying, training and preparing a new generation of healthcare professionals. Our region is home to world-class medical facilities, schools, and research programs that strengthen the economy and provide vital services.
- Green Energy
Eastern North Carolina is embracing and driving a sustainable future through Green Energy. Our region is a leader in solar energy, and is investing heavily in other alternative energy sources like wind power and biomass. With state incentives and policies aimed at encouraging clean energy adoption, this is a rapidly-growing sector.
- Blue Economy
Spanning oceanography, aquaculture, boat building, and coastal tourism, the Blue Economy benefits from and celebrates our region’s rich maritime resources and over 3,500 miles of shoreline. This burgeoning industry contributes to sustainable economic growth while also preserving our unique coastal environment and contributing to ecological health.
- BioPharma
Our BioPharma cluster powers cutting-edge advancements in medicine and pharmaceuticals, and our region’s proximity to several major universities and strong network of community colleges have made it a significant hub for the industry. The sector develops lifesaving treatments and creates great opportunities for highly skilled workers.