REGIONALLY FOCUSED. GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE.
INNOVATION Recognized as a leading high-tech hub, San Diego’s innovation economy is anchored by established life sciences, cybersecurity, communications, cleantech and software industries. It is defined by a collaborative culture and sophisticated support systems focused on commercializing research and growing entrepreneurial, knowledge-based companies.
LIFE WORKS HERE.
MILITARY San Diego is home to the largest concentration of US military in the world. The defense industry represents one out of every five jobs in the region and includes leaders in unmanned vehicles, robotics, cybersecurity and shipbuilding. Many of San Diego’s most prominent companies – such as Qualcomm – were founded through military innovations.
TOURISM More than 30 million people land at San Diego’s award-winning international airport each year to visit the region’s pristine waterfront. Recent accolades include National Geographic Traveler naming the San Diego/Tijuana region to its “best trips” list for 2016. Of interesting note, many local business leaders first visited the region as a tourist or convention delegate.
LOCAL San Diego’s local economy includes a robust healthcare sector and sophisticated professional and business service providers with deep expertise in the region’s technology sectors. Our region is home to six universities – including UC San Diego, ranked among the top ten public universities in the country – and more than 80 research institutes conducting breakthrough research and providing talent and technology infrastructure that enables the region to compete globally.
ABOUT THE REGION Our bi-national region is working together like never before. San Diego County, Imperial County and Northern Baja California comprise one of the top economic mega-regions in the world. Leveraging the assets of a combined population of six and a half million people, two major international airports, a unique cross border air terminal, three land ports of entry and two major seaports, EDC facilitates investment and economic development opportunities throughout this dynamic region. As economic developers, the place is our product. San Diego boasts an unparalleled quality of life, opportunities for entrepreneurship and a highly-educated workforce, world-renowned academic and applied research institutions, and venture capital that powers thriving innovation, military and tourism sectors.
REGIONALLY FOCUSED. GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE.
ABOUT EDC Our mission is to maximize the region’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness. As an independently funded non-profit organization, EDC promotes the region, facilitates corporate expansion across diverse industry sectors and supports the talent pool that drives regional success.
INITIATIVE HIGHLIGHTS GO GLOBAL SAN DIEGO EDC leads efforts to promote regional competitiveness through foreign direct investment and international trade. We organize trade missions to key markets like London and Tokyo and have granted SMEs funds to help them explore export opportunities. REGIONAL MARKETING EDC creates multilateral strategies to increase the region’s visibility and elevate San Diego’s distinct assets within international thought leadership spheres. We helped produce National Geographic’s “World’s Smart Cities” documentary about San Diego, which aired in more than 60 countries – highlighting San Diego as a hub for ideas and innovation. OPERATION SAN DIEGO With public and private partners, EDC spearheads an on-going initiative to defend, maintain and grow the $45 billion economic impact of the military through advocacy at the federal, state and local levels. WORKFORCE AND TALENT RETENTION Arguably the region’s best asset is its highly-skilled workforce. EDC supports STEM education, training programs and initiatives to ensure San Diego has the workforce pipeline to maintain its competitive edge. COMPANY SUPPORT On average EDC directly supports more than 100 companies representing about 5,000 jobs each year. From data to site selection to permitting to partnerships, we leverage our network and expertise to ensure that companies are able to grow here.
WITH AND THROUGH.
WHY INVEST? By becoming an EDC investor, you are helping shape the region’s future. With investment from more than 160 companies, public agencies and private organizations, EDC is able to provide direct services to help companies grow in San Diego and lead initiatives to enhance the region’s competitiveness. In turn, we provide EDC investors with information, opportunities, access and support.
INFORM From economic impact studies on emerging industries like cybersecurity to world-renowned research institutions to in-depth analyses of San Diego’s economic health, we arm investors with comprehensive data to help position the region – and your company – in the global marketplace. FACILITATE With access to policy makers, academics, C-level executives and thought-leaders from across the region, EDC makes connections for our investors. We take you behind the headlines to understand what’s driving corporate expansions and behind the scenes to see some of the region’s most interesting companies, projects and places. HELP We provide investors with assistance to expand locally, facilitate introductions to foster partnerships, advocate for business-friendly policies, and support projects and infrastructure that enhance the region. ENGAGE Through an influential board of directors and strategic committees, we provide investors with a forum to shape and engage in the region’s economic development plan, creating a measureable impact on jobs and quality of life. Join our powerful network of leaders from Oceanside to Otay Mesa by lending your influence and expertise to amplify San Diego’s global competitiveness.
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