Economic development through the cluster approach provides a logical base for business retention, expansion, and recruitment. A cluster is traditionally defined as a closely related geographic group of interconnected companies and associated institutions in a particular field, including product producers, service providers, suppliers, universities, and trade associations. Clusters are created from the links that exist in a geographic area around a specific industry. 

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) has identified the following as existing or emerging clusters in Kitsap County:

• Back office/administrative services
• Defense
• Health services
• Manufacturing
• Marine
• Technology
• Tourism

Kitsap County Industry Sectors