The millions of travel-goers headed to Orlando this summer to enjoy shows that mesmerize and rides that thrill probably don’t realize that another world of high tech wizardry exists alongside this region’s world-famous theme parks.  That’s because this top spot for R&R has also become known for its R&D.  In fact, in his newly-released book, noted author Bill Holstein says Orlando and its diverse industry base offer ‘a creative stew’ and is ‘showing the way to the rest of Florida and other Sunbelt states.’ 

Holstein’s book, The Next American Economy, features Orlando as one of nine American cities that he predicts will bring on the next wave of economic growth and innovation.  This accolade complements several others that Orlando has garnered so far this year, including recognition as a top ‘comeback city’ from Kiplinger.com, a ‘top location for minority entrepreneurs’ by Forbes and a ‘top business friendly city’ by Foreign Direct Investment. 

“If you peel back Orlando’s onion, you’ll find deep layers of technology development, and scientific research and commercialization in many sectors and fields,” says Rick Weddle, president and CEO of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission – a group that works to attract targeted industry investment, help local businesses grow and create high wage jobs in the region.  “Many people are surprised to discover the depth and breadth of Orlando’s high tech output.  Our simulation industry alone annually generates a Gross Regional Product of more than $3 billion.  Behind that impressive output are some of the greatest technical minds in the country.”

Weddle stresses that the ability to attract and retain top talent is an important competitive advantage.  “Orlando could easily adopt the USA Networks’ slogan ‘Characters Welcome,’ and we don’t just mean those found in our theme parks.  This region is home to ingenious, creative minds engaged in specialties ranging from researching solutions for diabetes, obesity and cancer, to developing immersive simulation training, game-based medical therapies, energy storage alternatives and much more.”

Orlando’s ‘creative stew,’ as Holstein describes it, represents a critical factor necessary to America’s overall economic growth.  In a 2010 IBM poll of 1,500 CEOs from across the globe, creativity was cited as the #1 ‘leadership competency’ of the future.

Building on the notion of creativity, Holstein suggests that ‘idea factories’ found in places like Orlando breed new technologies that build up an entrepreneurial ecosystem.  The system, in turn, creates clusters.  And industry clusters, he contends, are what sets America apart from other countries.  

In Orlando, several industry clusters have become nationally-recognized attractions of their own.  The simulation...