“As we move forward in implementing our vision for New Jersey’s economic future, a critical component is our ability to recapture New Jersey’s dominance in the innovation economy,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Today, I am asking the Jobs and Economic Opportunity Council to develop a comprehensive, coordinated strategic plan to ensure that New Jersey welcomes cutting-edge research, risk-taking entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking businesses, and to provide a framework for inter-departmental cooperation in support of this administration’s innovation agenda.”

The development of the Strategic Plan will include:

• Input from stakeholders, and a review of New Jersey’s strengths and weaknesses;
• Assessments of key criteria for an Innovation Economy and goal-setting;
• Opportunities for coordination between government, business, and academia, including state-sponsored events and networking programs;
• Policy initiatives to support STEM education and job training as well as start-ups and incubators;
• Ideas for developing thriving and connected urban areas; and
• Commitments to inclusive growth for under-resourced and under-represented residents.

Governor Murphy signed an executive order establishing the Jobs and Economic Opportunity Council in February.  Under the executive order, the Council provides the Governor with economic advice and recommendations for stimulating job growth and workforce development in New Jersey. In addition, the Council is responsible for formulating recommendations related to national and state economic trends, possible government action to expand employment opportunities, sources for infrastructure funding, and priorities for federal and state-funded programs.