The Portland metro region’s economic development strategy focuses on bolstering key, traded sector industries to increase jobs and economic growth. PSU works closely with Greater Portland Inc., the region's economic development organization to align programming with regional industry clusters. The region’s priority industry clusters include:

• computer and electronics
• software and media
• athletic and outdoor
• metals and machinery
• clean technology
• health science and technology

To support this strategy, PSU works to ensure academic programming aligns with the needs of regional employers and industry clusters. In addition, PSU has established applied learning, internship and co-op programs that provide students with hands-on work and learning opportunities in these growing sectors of the economy.