Illinois EDC Launches Research Center

Economic Research Center Publishes First Report, the “State of Business” 

CHICAGO, April 9, 2026 — The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) today announced its new Economic Research Center, a dedicated in-house research and analytics department. The ERC also released its first report, the State of Business, a comprehensive overview of Illinois’ economic performance and competitive position over the past year. 

The State of Business finds that Illinois’ economy remained broadly aligned with national growth while demonstrating key areas of outperformance, including stronger hiring trends, business formation, and sustained growth across key industries. 

“Illinois continues to demonstrate resilience and competitiveness in a dynamic national and global economy,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “What stands out most in this year’s report is the breadth of growth across the entire state. Industries are expanding across every corner of Illinois. From life sciences and advanced manufacturing to clean energy and agriculture, we are seeing statewide momentum that reinforces Illinois’ position as a leading destination for business investment and long-term growth.” 

Among the report’s key findings: 

• Illinois’ GDP growth matched national performance, increasing 5% year-over-year in 2025. 

• Employers in Illinois outpaced national hiring trends, with hires rising more than 7% year-over-year and posting approximately 200,000 job openings statewide. 

• The state recorded roughly 189,000 new business applications in 2025, reflecting strong entrepreneurial activity. 

• Illinois maintained its #2 national ranking for corporate expansions and relocations for the fourth consecutive year. 

• Job growth from 2021 to 2025 occurred across all focus industries, with particularly strong gains in life sciences (+12%), advanced manufacturing (+11%), and clean energy (+9%), and logistics (also +9%). 

“Our analysis shows that Illinois enters 2026 with clear momentum across target industries,” said Josh Weidenaar, director of research at the Economic Research Center. “Life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation agriculture are experiencing meaningful growth and are particularly well positioned to capture gains from AI-enabled innovation, supported by strong research activity, private capital presence, and a growing skilled workforce.”  

The State of Business is a prime example of the type of public-facing materials the ERC will share. Illinois EDC’s ERC will also publish a new white paper series offering deep exploration of issues shaping Illinois’ competitiveness.  

“These research products will help communities, partners, and decision-makers better understand economic trends, benchmark performance, and identify long-term opportunities aligned with Illinois’ five-year economic roadmap,” said Senior Vice President of Research Robin Ficke, who will lead the ERC. “Illinois EDC’s skilled researchers will analyze proprietary and public data to unlock insights and publish a growing trove of information and analyses that’s fundamental to planning for the future.”  

The ERC is staffed by the Illinois EDC’s growing research team, and their work will support the organization’s core mission of attracting new businesses, retaining and expanding existing employers, and strengthening communities statewide, by helping to equip partners with resources to inform their strategies.  

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About Illinois EDC

The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) is the statewide economic development organization focused on bringing new businesses, jobs, and investment to Illinois. Illinois EDC collaborates with industry, academic, and government partners to grow Illinois’ economy across competitive, priority industries and showcase why Illinois is the best location for domestic and international companies to relocate and expand.