Polk County and Central Florida have witnessed significant economic and demographic shifts over the last two decades. In recent years, the county has experienced a shift in employment toward higher-skilled and higher wage industries, while migrating away from traditional sectors such as agriculture and natural resources. Simultaneously, the county has seen continued population growth, steady growth in business establishments, and a significant drop in unemployment over the long term.

This Executive Summary outlines the target cluster selection process and key findings of the cluster research and analysis.