INDIANAPOLIS – Ahead of Election Day, candidates for governor in Indiana are focusing on the state’s economy and future. Economic growth in Indiana relies on preparing Hoosiers to meet current and future workforce demands, while also addressing economic weaknesses highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Indiana University Public Policy Institute’s Center for Civic Literacy is helping Hoosiers understand these issues and potential policy solutions in two new reports from its Decision 2024: Your Voices, Your Future series.
PPI’s latest report on economic growth in Indiana focuses on the state’s current workforce trends, challenges to workforce development, and policy options to improve workforce productivity and wages.
- Indiana keeps pace with the nation in employment and labor force participation but lags in wage growth.
- Hoosier workers’ average hourly earnings in June 2024 were 86% of the national average and grew at less than half the national rate during the previous year (1.4% in Indiana versus 3.9% nationwide).
- Indiana ranks 14th in the nation in recruitment of university students from other states but 40th for retaining them.
- While education and training are important, authors found that recruiting and retaining world-class companies in targeted industries should be a primary policy focus to improve the state’s labor productivity and competitiveness.
The second brief released by PPI highlights how policy makers can construct and implement policies to encourage more technological innovation and entrepreneurship so Indiana’s economy can thrive.
- Indiana has more jobs susceptible to automation than any other state. A 2021 study estimated the state could lose about 900,000 jobs—29% of its job base—to automation.
- By 2028, nearly 168,000 highly skilled jobs requiring proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) may need to be filled in the state.
- Whether artificial intelligence primarily replaces jobs in Indiana or becomes a tool to complement human work will have a significant impact on its economy.
PPI collaborated with organizations around Indiana and faculty across Indiana University to develop the reports and topics. The resulting seven publications provide important context and background on critical issues and key policy topics. Previously released reports on childcare and housing are available online. The three final reports on healthcare, community resiliency, and the lack of public trust in institutions will be released prior to Election Day.
The reports served as the base for PPI’s 2024 Gubernatorial Forum, featuring interviews with Jennifer McCormick (D), Sen. Mike Braun (R), and Donald Rainwater (L). The forum is available online via go.iu.edu/forum2024playlist.
