 Changes in the structure of the railroad and declines in the manufacturing sector during the mid @-@ 20th century combined with the rapid growth of Kent State University following World War II led to the university becoming the city 's largest employer and influenced the development of other areas of the city 's economy . Beginning in the late first decade of the 21st century , the university , along with the city and private investors , began to play a more active role in the redevelopment of downtown Kent and has aided in the development of local high tech companies . Kent State operates Centennial Research Park , along Ohio State Route 59 in Kent 's Joint Economic Development District with Franklin Township , which houses two high tech start @-@ up companies in the liquid crystal industry . Kent has an additional Joint Economic Development District with Brimfield Township . Through the Kent Regional Business Alliance , the city also supports two business incubators . 
