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 Social Indicators
Utah fares comparatively well on many social indicators. Selected measures come from five domains: economic, demographic, socioeconomic, health, and safety.
Utah’s Agriculture Economy
Agriculture’s contribution to Utah’s GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 came in at $2.0 billion, after facing a mixed year in 2023 with GDP declines to $1.3 billion by year-end.
Utah’s Military and Defense Industry: An Economic Impact Study
Utah's defense industry made substantial contributions to the state's diverse economy in 2023, with total economic impacts estimated at 173,000 jobs and $22.2 billion in GDP.
Utah’s Military and Defense Industry: An Economic Impact Study (Fact Sheet)
Utah’s military and defense industry (defense industry) generates substantial impacts in the state’s diverse economy, directly and indirectly supporting over 173,000 jobs and an estimated $22.2 billion in GDP in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.
Utah Innovation Ecosystems
Utah's higher education institutions, well-trained workforce, collaborative atmosphere, and culture of innovation contribute to the state's strong innovation ecosystems.
Salt Lake County’s Life Sciences and Health Care Innovation Industry
Life sciences and health care innovation plays a vital role in Salt Lake County’s economy, supporting employment, generating earnings, and boosting GDP.
