Cherokee Exceeds National Average For Innovation: Report

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WOODSTOCK, GA -- For the second consecutive year, Cherokee County has been identified as having an Innovation Economy.

Cherokee is one of the five Georgia counties to have bested the national average on the Innovation Index, according to a report released by the Technology Association of Georgia.

Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Oconee counties were the other four recognized. The average is taken from the Innovation Index which is based on data compiled and sponsored in part by the U.S. Commerce Department.

The Index is an overall measure that reflects a region's innovation capacity and activity.

According to the State of the Industry: Technology in Georgia TAG report, “Cherokee’s innovation economy is powered by an educated workforce with nearly 38 percent holding bachelor’s degrees or higher.”

• Get the details on Cherokee's innovation report here.

Human capital, economic dynamic, productivity and employment, and economic well-being were the four components used in calculating the community’s innovation capacity.

“Our skilled workforce is a constant strength in attracting new companies to Cherokee,” said Marshall Day, Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) chairman.

In the recent Opportunity Cherokee strategic planning process, five target sectors were identified as having high growth potential in the county: Advanced Manufacturing, Commercial Developers, Film & Media, Corporate Operations and Information Technology

“Having a primed talent pool for these companies is an invaluable asset as we move forward in our goal of being an attractive location for the tech community," Day added.

It was also noted that the growth in the young adult population in the county is significantly higher than the national average.

“Cherokee continues to see a strong millennial population,” said COED President Misti Martin. “We encourage the millennial workforce to explore the opportunities in our county, to put down roots and grow.”

Twenty-six percent of Cherokee’s population are millennials. This notable generation makes up the majority of the current workforce in the U.S. and by 2025 is projected to make up 75 percent of the workforce. The entrepreneurial mindset of the millennial is also an advantage to Cherokee, COED notes.

“Entrepreneurs introduce new technology, encourage innovation, and bring new businesses which stimulates the economy through job creation,” Martin added.

Cherokee County is positioned to be a promising location for the technology community. The TAG report confirms the findings of the Opportunity Cherokee plan, and validates the goals set in place by the new strategic blueprint.

You can view the TAG Industry Report by clicking here.

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