The Gardner Policy Institute provides data-driven, context-specific insights about Utah’s economy. We prepare in-depth studies on key Utah issues in partnership with stakeholders in the private sector and state and local government. The institute employs a diverse group of economists and analysts with specialties that include healthcare, energy and natural resources, tourism, and real estate and construction. Our research provides vital information decision makers and the public use to help Utah prosper.
Industry Studies
Utah’s Defense Economy: Economic Impacts and Industry Trends
Utah's defense industry is an integral component of the state's diverse economy, contributing over $19 billion in economic activity.
The Connection between COVID-19 and Type 2 Diabetes: Underscoring the Need for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Research increasingly shows that individuals with type 2 diabetes face a greater chance of experiencing severe complications from COVID-19.
Fact Sheet: Growth Trends in Utah’s Life Sciences Industry
Utah’s mature life sciences industry continues to experience strong growth relative to nationwide trends, even during recessions. Newly released data show that employment trends the Gardner Institute first identified through 2017 persisted into the pandemic. The number of life sciences jobs in Utah jumped 7.2% in 2020. This is the second highest single-year growth among states with large-scale life sciences activity. As for five-year trends, industry employment gains in Utah tempered slightly [...]
Utah Outdoor Partners Survey of Tech Sector Employees
The most important factor for Utah’s tech sector employees deciding to move to or stay in Utah is access to outdoor recreation and wilderness.
Diversity in Utah: Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Data Book
This report provides data and information to help state and community leaders make progress in their equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Gov. Spencer Cox’s One Utah Roadmap, the Utah Legislature’s policies to extend opportunity to all, and business and community leaders’ Utah Compact on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion provide three significant examples in the past year of Utah’s commitment. The data and context provided [...]
Market Assessment: Air Quality / Changing Climate Solutions Laboratory
The redevelopment of the Utah State Prison property in Draper, Utah, presents a significant opportunity for a generational investment in Utah’s economic future. Of the 600 acres at the prison site, a portion is being considered for a university-led innovation district that solves difficult challenges and creates high quality jobs in Utah. One of these challenges, and a platform for future innovation, is air [...]
