The impetus behind much of the growth in the Upstate is innovation spurred by university and private sector research. Local research and development by BMW, General Electric, Michelin, Timken, Capsugel, Milliken and St. Jude is redefining what's possible in several industries.

In university research, Clemson leads the way with groundbreaking work at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research, the Advanced Materials Research Lab and the Bioengineering Translational Research Program. Small business entrepreneurialism also thrives at the Tyger River Campus of Spartanburg Community College, the Greenville Chamber's NEXT and NEXT Innovation Center, and the Greenwood Genetic Center.