South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce

BLUEPRINT 2036
A Roadmap for South Carolina’s Economic Future
South Carolina is at a defining moment. Blueprint 2036 provides a long-term strategy to strengthen the state’s competitiveness, build on its economic momentum and position South Carolina for continued success through the next decade and beyond.
Developed by South Carolina Manufacturers + Commerce
in partnership with Grant Thornton.

Why Blueprint 2036
South Carolina is growing.
The challenge is sustaining it.
South Carolina enters the next decade with significant advantages: strong population growth, globally competitive industries and a reputation for attracting investment. But workforce shortages, infrastructure pressure, energy constraints and intensifying competition are creating new challenges. Blueprint 2036 identifies the actions needed to turn today’s momentum into a lasting competitive advantage.

$278B
South Carolina GDP
5.5M
State Population
+600K
Population Growth
Over the Last Decade
58.1%
Labor Force Participation
$72,507
Median Household Income
147,000+
Technical College
Students Annually
South Carolina has tremendous momentum—but growth is placing increasing pressure on the systems that support our economy.

The Vision for South Carolina’s Future
“South Carolina’s economy will be prosperous, rich with opportunity, and the envy of the country, led by homegrown talent, abundant energy, and a pro-business climate.”

FIVE PRIORITIES. ONE ROADMAP.
Blueprint 2036 organizes South Carolina’s long-term economic strategy around five interconnected priorities.
01
Modernize the
Business Climate
02
Build & Retain the
Future Workforce
03
Close Infrastructure Gap & Secure our Energy Future
04
Enhance Opportunities for
Rural South Carolina
05
Compete in a
High-Growth Economy

01
Modernize the Business Climate
+
Create a modern, predictable and competitive environment for investment and growth.
Tax Modernization Agenda
Modernize the tax code to enhance statewide competitiveness by continuing to reduce the individual income tax rate, addressing Act 388, updating definitions to reflect 21st-century business practices, and reforming or repealing antiquated taxes that deter investment.
Further Legal Reforms
Pursue targeted reforms to ensure the legal system is fair, predictable and transparent for both businesses and families.
Pro-Business Regulation Review
Streamline permitting, zoning and approval processes by improving coordination, predictability and timelines.
Smart Incentives Modernization
Modernize business incentives to strengthen South Carolina’s ability to compete for investment and high-growth companies.

02
Build and Retain the Future Workforce
+
Develop the skills, talent pipelines and workforce conditions needed for a high-growth economy.
South Carolina Talent 2036 Plan
Align technical colleges, apprenticeships and STEM training with high-growth sectors and long-term workforce demand.
Workforce Participation Enablers
Expand childcare availability, transportation access and affordable housing to remove barriers to workforce participation.
Career Pathway Hubs
Connect students with employers, training pathways and postsecondary opportunities.
Upskilling & Reskilling Fund
Expand rapid-response training to support worker transitions into new and emerging industries.

03
Close Infrastructure Gap and Secure our Energy Future
+
Build the energy, transportation and utility capacity necessary to support continued economic growth.
Energy Infrastructure Taskforce
Expand grid and distribution capacity and address energy constraints.
Water/Wastewater Capacity Program
Invest in utility capacity to support industrial corridors, housing growth and expanding communities.
Future-Ready Transportation Investment Framework
Align statewide transportation priorities with sustainable long-term funding.
Site Readiness Fund
Prepare industrial and commercial sites with the infrastructure needed to compete.
Energy Security Roadmap
Strengthen energy infrastructure to support long-term economic growth and resilience.

04
Enhance Opportunities for Rural South Carolina
+
Ensure communities across South Carolina have the infrastructure, connectivity and tools needed to compete.
Rural Site Development Program
Expand funding for industrial parks and rural site readiness.
Urban-Rural Partnerships
Strengthen linkages between rural suppliers and major industry hubs.
Small Business & Agri-Tech Support
Support rural small businesses and agricultural innovation.
Broadband & Digital Inclusion
Expand broadband access to support business growth, education and workforce participation.
Expand Rural Water & Sewage Funding
Increase investment in rural water and wastewater infrastructure.

05
Compete in a High-Growth Economy
+
Strengthen South Carolina’s position in advanced industries, innovation and global markets.
Advanced Manufacturing Innovation & Commercialization Support
Help high-growth industries move proven technologies into commercial production.
Business Resilience Investments
Strengthen resilience to operational and economic risks.
Export Competitiveness Review
Diversify export markets and strengthen support for South Carolina exporters.
Innovation Connector Office
Connect venture capital, research institutions and entrepreneurs.
Maximize Venture Fund Availability
Strengthen access to capital for innovative and high-growth companies.
Cluster Innovation Zones
Concentrate talent, research, startups and industry partnerships in strategic sectors.
Entrepreneur Talent Campaign
Position South Carolina as a destination for founders and high-growth companies.

From Priorities to Action
Five Flagship Recommendations
Five high-impact actions designed to turn South Carolina’s economic momentum into a durable competitive advantage.
01
A Modern Business Climate Act
Modernize the state’s business climate to strengthen competitiveness and support next-generation industries.
02
Workforce 2036 Partnership
Integrate employers, education and government around South Carolina’s long-term talent needs.
03
Statewide Infrastructure Acceleration Plan
Accelerate the energy, utility and transportation investments needed to support growth.
04
Competitive Site Readiness Fund
Prepare strategic industrial and commercial sites—including rural communities—at the pace required to compete.
05
Innovation & Research Growth Strategy
Strengthen applied research, commercialization and high-potential industry clusters.

How We Got There
Built on Data.
Shaped by South Carolina.
Blueprint 2036 was developed through quantitative analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy research, national and international benchmarking, sector analysis and expert insight to create an evidence-driven roadmap for South Carolina’s future.
Economic Research
Policy Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
Benchmarking
Sector Analysis
Expert Insight

MOVING FROM BLUEPRINT TO ACTION
Collaboration
Bring public, private and educational partners together around shared priorities.
Phased Delivery
Generate early wins while building the foundation for long-term impact.
Governance
Provide accountability and oversight while consistently measuring progress.
Adaptive Approach
Adjust as technologies, market conditions and workforce needs evolve.

The Roadmap for South Carolina’s Next Decade
Explore Blueprint 2036
See the research, recommendations and strategies designed to strengthen South Carolina’s competitiveness and secure its economic future.


VIEW BLUEPRINT 2036 →

Prepared in partnership with Grant Thornton


SUPPORTING RESEARCH

Go Deeper Into Blueprint 2036

Explore the research, data and stakeholder input that informed the priorities and recommendations in Blueprint 2036.


Supporting research prepared in partnership with Grant Thornton.