It's a new buzzword in Tucson business: cluster industry. Cluster industries are networks of firms in the same industry that work together to promote their field and the local economy. There are six of them in Tucson: optics, aerospace, bioindustry, environmental technology, plastics and composite materials, and information technology and teleservices. The Star will explore each of those cluster industries in coming months.
Optics Valley
Can Tucson stay king of the hill?
Tucson's optics industry is widely considered the best in the nation, with a vibrant company base, enviable business-to-business cooperation and top educational opportunities. ...more
Profile: Bob Breault: 'Man on a mission' is his industry's passionate advocate ...more
Plastic turns into gold
Expanding uses, rising exports make cluster a star
Strong consumer demand for hand-held communications devices - including the ever-present cellphone - has offered the local plastics-manufacturing industry a big boost. ...more
Profile: Wayne A. Lundeberg: Cluster has helped form industry's pattern of success ...more
Tucson's aerospace sector
For this cluster, the sky's the limit
Increased national defense spending and strong demand for small aircraft should mean a high-flying future for local aerospace companies. ...more
Also: Tucson schools fill need for aerospace engineers, techs ...more
Information Technology
Tucson's place in the sun
In the race to become a magnet for information technology companies, Tucson has done much in the last three years to strengthen its drawing power. ...more
Also: Improved call centers pay well, boost Tucson's high tech future ...more
Biotech's big idea
UA-based institute pulling fragmented cluster together
It is Tucson's least developed industry cluster, yet one of the most important for the city's future economy. ...more
Profile: Husband, wife work to better skin health ...more
Enviro-tech cleans up overseas
Big business abroad could boost local sector
Tucson's environmental technology firms, from recyclers to handlers of industrial waste, are looking to expand their horizons overseas as the demand grows there for clean, affordable energy sources. ...more
Profile: Cluster chairman exudes energy pursuing his goals ...more
