The city has been designated as one of the regional hubs as part of the National Spatial Strategy Plan. In the coming years Kilkenny can expect to benefit significantly from industrial development and infrastructure investment. 
Technology, Tourism, Craft & Design, engineering food processing are the dominant industries in the area. In recent years local agencies together with Enterprise Ireland has been very successful in attracting foreign inward investment to the area.
Glanbia plc and Smithwick's St. Francis Abbey Brewery are major food processing companies located in the county and are examples of industrial development, which evolved from the agricultural hinterland to their current position as market leaders in the food sectors.
The Craft industry owes its origins to the establishment of Kilkenny Design Workshops in the 1960's when craftworkers, designers and artists from Europe and elsewhere came to Kilkenny to associate with the vibrant creative environment.
Tourism continues to be a major revenue generator for Kilkenny, estimated at EURO 100 million annually.