MOVING SC FORWARD

Clusters & Initiatives

Our established industry clusters add value to South Carolina’s economy by serving as a resource for existing and prospective companies to connect, expand, and grow the state’s overall competitiveness.

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Clusters & Initiatives Managed By SC Competes

SC Aerospace

We connect, grow, and support the state’s over 400 commercial aerospace firms, 8 major military installations, and educational institutions.

SC Logistics

We move the state’s supply chain logistics cluster ahead whether by rail, sea, ground, or air.

SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance

We connect South Carolina organizations, colleges, and universities with global Fraunhofer USA experts to drive innovation and advanced research through our matching grant program.

SC Tech

We grow, connect, and prepare the state’s technology and cybersecurity cluster to establish SC as a global hub for innovation.

TransformSC

TransformSC has identified innovative practices that help students achieve the knowledge, skills, and characteristics in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.

Palmetto AI Corridor

SC Competes launched the Palmetto AI Corridor (PAIC) to connect and grow the communication and influence among our state’s business leaders and AI professionals.

SC Defense

We bring together the combined efforts of SC Logistics, SC Tech, and SC Aerospace clusters to help companies better navigate defense contracting, strengthen supply chains, and expand the state’s defense economy.

How a collaborative cluster approachs works

SC Competes supports select major industry clusters – SC Aerospace, SC Logistics, and SC Tech – by providing the research, talent pipelines, and collaborative platforms needed to help advance South Carolina’s successful global competitiveness.

Industry Knowledge

We bring industry leaders together year-round to share insights, spotlight trends, and shape what’s next.

Supplier Outreach

Our team opens doors for SC suppliers through B2B connections, industry networking, and promotion.

Research & Development

Cluster specific statewide Economic Impact Studies and data-driven plans guide growth, while our SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance matching grants fuel collaborative applied research.

Talent Building

TransformSC and our Workforce Innovation initiatives provide direct links to K12 and postsecondary education help build the talent pipeline South Carolina industries need.

Network Growth

Each cluster expands its reach and influence—uniting industry, government, and education around shared goals.

Get Involved

If your business is a partner with any of our Clusters & Initiatives, fill out our partner communications form to help our team engage with your company more directly on social media, press opportunities, webinars, and more.