Sullivan noted the momentum New Jersey has coming into 2023 – including the fastest private sector job creation in the region over the last 12 months – but acknowledged the potential economic turmoil ahead. He said it is important to continue making investments in sectors, such as manufacturing, cannabis, film and television, and offshore wind.
Sullivan previously discussed how important it is to not only attract and build new sectors, but to balance that by supporting traditional sectors and renewing others for a diversified economy. “When we think about a strong and diversified economy, the more industries, the more pistons you can have in the engine that are on different cycles, that means you have a stronger economy through booms and busts of any given industries,” Sullivan explained. “And that’s what we’re really shooting for.”
Sullivan placed offshore wind and film at the top of the list of sectors that have come to life under Murphy, along with cannabis, sports betting, and the technology jobs that come with it. He noted that policymakers are working hard to maintain and expand the state’s leadership position in areas like pharma, financial services and technology.