What does it take to build a resilient economy? How do we fuel a workforce that continually lands our city, region, and state at the top of various “best of” lists? According to CNBC’s annual Top State for Business ranking, “At a time when companies are clamoring for workers while trying to navigate a treacherous economy, no state is meeting their needs more effectively than North Carolina.”

We are fortunate to find our city, and broader region and state, at the top of lists like this. We top these lists because we work together to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate the needs of our workforce. In 2017, we launched the Triangle Talent Regional Skills Analysis, a first-of-its kind study. That first study revealed critical skills needs in growing industries including IT, life science, and construction and skilled trades. We conducted the study again during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Global pandemic or not, the economy was changing, industries were shifting, and so were companies’ skill, talent, and education needs.

This survey is led by Wake County Economic Development in partnership with The Raleigh Chamber and Capital Area Workforce Development, and was deployed to businesses across the Research Triangle Region.