Research underway for the latest edition of Invest: Raleigh-Durham

October 2025 — Raleigh-Durham continues to evolve as one of the Southeast’s most balanced economies, driven by a strong research base, a steady influx of skilled professionals, and growing investment across technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. While growth across the Triangle may be more measured than in other fast-rising Sun Belt metros, its stability, educational depth, and collaborative business environment continue to position it as a model for sustainable regional development.

Currently in production, the fourth edition of Invest: Raleigh-Durham will bring together insights from more than 200 voices spanning business, government, and education, along with caa’s in-depth analysis of the market’s most attractive industries and emerging economic trends across the Triangle.

“Raleigh-Durham’s success is grounded in balance — growth paired with intention,” said Abby Lindenberg, founder and CEO of caa. “It’s a market where collaboration between research institutions, industry, and government continues to translate ideas into impact. That steady, connected growth is what makes this region stand out.’”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, preliminary data for August 2025 show unemployment rates of 3.5% in the Raleigh-Cary metro area and 3.8% in the Durham-Chapel Hill metro area. Meanwhile, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, in 2Q25 the state reported the addition of 75,000 jobs year over year. The Triangle has also recorded steady capital investment, with 225 economic development projects announced between 2019 and 2024, representing more than 42,000 jobs and $27.6 billion in new investment.

Despite softening in some parts of the industrial market, other sectors are showing strength. In 3Q25, the office market recorded 10,780,031sq.ft. of direct office availability. Industrial vacancy has risen slightly, but construction pipelines remain active, and preleasing is healthy as tenants pursue high-quality logistics space. The region’s life sciences sector also continues to attract major investment, including Biogen’s $2 billion expansion in Research Triangle Park and Hatteras Venture Partners’ $200 million funds close — strong signals of confidence in the market’s innovation base. 

Invest: Raleigh-Durham will explore these themes and more through exclusive insights from key stakeholders and in‑depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities shaping the Triangle’s economy.

About caa & Invest: Raleigh-Durham

caa is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events, and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest:Insights.

Invest: Raleigh-Durham 4th Edition is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the Triangle, featuring exclusive insights from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, elected officials, and institutional heads. The publication aims to 1) equip local, national, and international investors with comprehensive insights on the region and 2) promote Raleigh-Durham as a competitive, innovative, and collaborative place to do business.

The report conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the region, including real estate, construction, infrastructure, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education, and tourism. The publication analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

The caa team is currently connecting with stakeholders across the region to gather perspectives and analysis that will define this year’s edition. Invest: Raleigh-Durham is a unique opportunity for the business community to share its story with a national and global audience.

For more information, contact:

Alina Manac

Senior Executive Director

[email protected]

Jerrica DuBois

Senior Editor
[email protected]

Want more? Read the Invest: Raleigh-Durham report.