Northern Kentucky Industry Focus

BE NKY identified four target industry clusters for development: advanced manufacturing, information technology, life sciences, and supply chain management and support services. A comprehensive target industry and employment analysis was conducted by EY and Aha! Consulting for BE NKY Growth Partnership in 2025.

These four industry sectors and their subsectors saw strong job growth from 2019-2024, including a 24% increase in food and flavoring, 52% in software design and publishing, and 62% in information technology.

BE NKY targets four industry clusters in business attraction for the region based on their employment momentum and growth potential: Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Life Sciences, and Supply Chain Management & Support Services. These four clusters include 14 subclusters with more than 550 primary industry companies, representing strong diversity and innovation.

Click each overview below for more information on the clusters.

Transformation of raw materials into components and finished products.
Subclusters: Aviation & Aerospace; Automotive; Chemicals, Materials & Packaging; Electronics & Electrical Equipment; Food & Flavoring; Medical Device; Pharmaceuticals

Protection and enhancement of human health.
Subclusters: Biomedical Research; Gene Therapy; Medical Device Manufacturing; Pharmaceuticals

IT involves activities such as software production, internet application development, computer hardware production, and data security. IT employment was 2x the national growth rate.
Subclusters: Software/IT, Electronics & Electrical Equipment Manufacturing

Facilitates the transport of goods via rail, road, water, and air. Does not include fulfillment centers and traditional warehousing operations.
Subclusters: Aviation Maintenance; Logistics Management & Consulting; Chemicals, Materials & Packaging