Priority Industry Clusters
Based on a rigorous analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement process, the EDSP identifies eight priority industry clusters positioned to drive Riverside County’s future growth.
Advanced Manufacturing
Aerospace, defense, semiconductors, medical devices, and mobility tech.
Creative Media & Digital Production
Film, music, and digital content production.
Agtech
Precision agriculture, irrigation tech, and food systems.
Cybersecurity
Cloud security, operational technology protection, and digital forensics safeguarding critical systems and data.
Biotech
Pharma/biotech, medtech, healthtech, and other life sciences
Hospitality & Tourism
Outdoor recreation, cultural venues, and destination development.
Clean Energy
Solar, battery storage, and microgrid innovation.
Transportation & Logistics
Supply chain technologies, automation, and innovation enhancing competitiveness across established logistics infrastructure
THE OPPORTUNITY AHEAD
Riverside County¹ has laid a strong foundation for growth, creating over 194,000 new private-sector jobs in the past decade and seeing a 64% surge in new business formation since 20147. Looking forward, the region is poised to unlock more than $200 million in potential federal and state funding for infrastructure, workforce development, and innovation². The Economic Development Strategic Plan outlines a clear vision for growth and economic prosperity that is anchored in an existing business ecosystem with key pillars for the future:
It prioritizes industry diversification and growth, modernizing legacy sectors where Riverside County has a competitive edge while strategically expanding into high-growth industries, harnessing the clusters as engines of innovation and quality job creation.
The EDSP emphasizes workforce development that taps into a young, diverse population and strong educational institutions that are fueling a skilled talent pipeline, with expanded training and apprenticeship programs tailored to industry needs.
Riverside County will cultivate a dynamic business environment by supporting startups, expanding access to capital, and fostering innovation through collaborative networks, engaging with existing businesses and streamlining support for new investment, enhancing the prevailing business-friendly environment.
The EDSP encourages infrastructure and site readiness, promoting strategic investments in transportation, digital connectivity, and land-use modernization, laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth and regional mobility, with a focus on revitalizing underutilized properties and supporting activities that ensure key sites are development-ready.
The Plan encourages strengthening cross-jurisdictional partnerships and positioning the County as a strategic hub for trade, investment, and integrated regional development. The EDSP promotes efforts to elevate the region’s identity by promoting Riverside County as a destination for culture, recreation, and business, enhancing visibility and economic impact.
Focusing on livability, the Plan encourages investments in housing, healthcare, public amenities, and placemaking to create vibrant, healthy communities.