Indiana is tying its economic future to rural communities with a billion-dollar investment in life sciences.
Gov. Mike Braun said the plan aims to create 100,000 high-wage jobs over the next decade, with a strong focus on rural counties still searching for economic growth. Braun said most of Indiana is rural and needs a new path forward.
“We’re a state that probably 70 of our 92 counties are rural, [and] would be heavily agricultural,” he said. “Almost all of them are trying to find that next act to rejuvenate their economies.”
The initiative targets agriculture, animal health, biotech and environmental innovation. State leaders say those sectors already connect deeply to rural Indiana. Supporters say the plan builds on Indiana’s strengths in farming and research, but critics will be watching closely to see whether rural areas truly see the promised jobs and investments.
Braun said the state will tie funding to results.
“This investment will grow over 100,000 new high-wage jobs over the next ten years,” he said. “These invested funds will be tied to measurable outcomes to ensure accountability and long-term return on investment.”
Story from Public News Service
State leaders say the goal is not just growth in cities, but stronger rural economies statewide. The plan designates central Indiana as the first region to lead, with other regions expected to follow.
