Skip to main content


U.S. flag
      An official website of the United States government
              Here’s how you know
        Here’s how you knowDot gov**Official websites use .gov**
                 A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
                  HTTPS**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                 A **lock** (A locked padlock) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.  *U.S. Economic Development Administration*
    Menu
    
Close
          


                                      Our Work & ProgramsEDA Program ListSuccess StoriesAmerican Rescue PlanTech HubsRecompete Pilot ProgramDisaster RecoveryPublic WorksBuild to ScaleSTEM Talent ChallengePartner InitiativesAnnual ReportsInvestment Priorities    
                        
                                                                          
      
      
      Find Open FundingFind FundingRecompete Pilot Program Phase 2Disaster RecoveryPublic WorksEconomic Adjustment Assistance    
                        
                                                                          
      
      
      Resources & ToolsFind Grant ResourcesManaging Your EDA GrantEconomic Development DirectoryTribal Community SupportPerformanceEDA Grant History ListIndirect Costs    
                        
                                                                          
      
      
      NewsPress ReleasesEDA BlogNews ListingMedia Request Form    
                        
                                                                          
      
      
      AboutAbout EDALeadershipFind local EDA RepresentativeCareersSpeaking Request FormMeeting Request FormTranslate


                Contact
              mobile search
    Search BreadcrumbHomeNews Listing In this section
              Press Releases
      
                                
                                        
        
        
        EDA Blog
      
                                
                                                                    
        
        
        News Listing
      
                                
                                        
        
        
        Media Request FormGeneric map of continental US showing lights at night
          EDA is collaborating with Purdue University on a holistic update of existing industry cluster definitions to harmonize them with the revised, 2022 edition of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
                                          Blog
                                February 8, 2024
                                
EDA and Purdue University Partner to Redefine Industry Clusters
                                          Share:
                              Through transformational investments like the regional Tech Hubs initiative and Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has centered the creation and curation of regional industry clusters at the forefront of the nation’s economic development agenda. When strategically placed and properly supported, industry clusters can be effective in steering the direction and development of local economies.

Recently, EDA’sResearch and National Technical Assistance(RNTA) program announced a $525,901 grant for thePurdue Center for Regional Development(PCRD) atPurdue University. This award will support a holistic update of existing industry cluster definitions to harmonize them with the revised, 2022 edition of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).





North American Industry Classification System 6 digit codes
      NAICS codes aid in the collecting, analyzing, and publishing of statistical data, as well as aligning organizations and businesses with opportunities directed at their specific industries.NAICS is a joint effort of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Statistics Canada, and Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), that classifies businesses by their type of economic activity for the purpose of collecting and analyzing statistical data. These NAICS codes aid in thecollecting, analyzing, and publishing of statistical data, as well as aligning organizations and businesses with opportunities directed at their specific industries.

This initiative will support a two-year project where researchers will use quantitative and qualitative analysis to revisit and update the existing industry cluster definitions and identify new types of clusters based on the business and industry, occupations, and skills of the 21st century economy. The researchers will utilize multidisciplinary clustering and network analysis techniques, spatial and aspatial clustering methods, as well as focus groups and expert interviews, to complete their work. The work will culminate in a website that houses a technical report outlining the new definitions, data dashboards, and an interactive mapping component. After the completion of the grant project, PCRD will manage an annual data update to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.

“This update to the industry cluster definitions marks the first complete revision since 2007,” said Alejandra Y. Castillo, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “It will ensure planners and researchers are able to effectively utilize data to analyze and identify gaps and drivers of the new economy.”

“The need and value for industry clusters information is vital,” saidIndraneel Kumar, Associate Director and Principal Investigatorat PCRD. “However, we need to update these industry cluster definitions and also identify new types of business and industry, occupation and skills clusters to address the emerging trends in the new economy.”

“This is another example of how Purdue University through PCRD conducts meaningful engagement with broader impacts,” said Roberto Gallardo, Vice President for Engagement at Purdue University.

EDA and PCRD anticipate that the revised industry cluster definitions will be available in Fall 2024. Receive updates on this, and other EDA programs, by subscribing toEDA’s Impact newsletter. About
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Contact
    
                        
                              
      
      
      EDA Program List
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Find Open Funding
    
                        
                              
      
      
      News
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Resources & Tools
 Email Form
      Your email address
 Facebook
      Twitter
      YouTube
      LinkedIn
      Instagram
 U.S. Department of Commerce
            1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite 71014
            Washington, DC 20230
 Accessibility
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Commerce.gov
    
                        
                              
      
      
      EDA Archives
    
                        
                              
      
      
      EDA.gov
    
                        
                                                    
      
      
      FOIA
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Grants.gov
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Information Quality
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Massachusetts
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Operating Policies
    
                        
                              
      
      
      Privacy Policy
    
                        
                              
      
      
      USA.gov