Florida Polytechnic University creates nearly $1 billion in annual economic activity, according to a newly published study from an outside economist.
The Lakeland school had an annual economic impact of more than $952 million, said the study commissioned by Florida Poly and conducted by Rick Harper, a retired economics professor at the University of West Florida. Harper served as senior policy adviser for economic affairs for the Florida Senate from 2012 until 2014.
Florida Poly contributes more than $523 million annually to the state’s gross domestic product, including more than $117 million within Polk County, the analysis said…