For many years, Colorado was known for only a select group of products: skiing, cattle and oil. While these remain important industries in the State, they are joined by an ever-growing array of high-tech and knowledge-intensive industries in one of the nation's most dynamic economies. In fact, Colorado is one of the most exciting hotbeds of American innovation and technology. It is perennially among the top 10 States for patents per capita, business creation rate, startup density, federal funding for R&D and total venture capital deals and expenditures. Breakthroughs and technological advances that change lives around the world can be traced back to Colorado. The 2025 State of Colorado Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) that follows is based on the gold standard for economic development and developed in accordance with U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) guidelines. It is a five-year, actionable targeted strategic plan that articulates the economic vision and goals for Colorado while fostering greater collaboration across the State.
