Watch:
The US State Technology and Science Index, published by Milken Institute, provides a nationwide benchmark for states to assess their science and technology capabilities, and whether they have the ecosystems for converting those capabilities into companies and high-paying jobs.
The overall index is based on 79 unique indicators that are categorized into five major components:
- Human Capital Investment
- Research and Development Inputs
- Risk Capital and Entrepreneurial Infrastructure
- Technology and Science Work Force
- Technology Concentration and Dynamism
Highlights of the 2010 index
The top ten (with previous Index rankings in 2008):
- Massachusetts (1)
- Maryland (2)
- Colorado (3)
- California (4)
- Utah (8)
- Washington (5)
- New Hampshire (9)
- Virginia (6)
- Connecticut (7)
- Delaware (14)
- Massachusetts continued its reign with an overall score of 82.61, but has slipped from 84.9 in our inaugural 2002 index. Massachusetts is a breeding ground of research with world-renowned universities and cutting-edge firms fueling its economy.
- Maryland, second overall with a score of 77.05, trailed Massachusetts in research and development inputs but took first in human capital capacity. The state ranked first in academic R&D per capita, thanks largely to Johns Hopkins University being the top recipient of NIH funding in the country.
- Colorado maintained the same position as in 2008, third overall, and was second in technology concentration and dynamism.
- California, holding steady at fourth, remained a national leader in technology-derived economic development, but measures of human capital continued to fall.
- Utah climbed three places to fifth this year. Utah retained its throne as the top-ranked state in technology concentration and dynamism. Risk capital availability has improved in the state.
- Rounding out the top 10 are Washington (sixth), New Hampshire (seventh), Virginia (eighth), Connecticut (ninth), and newcomer Delaware (10th).
- Alaska and Ohio had the greatest improvement in ranking (both seven), followed by Indiana, North Carolina (both five), and Delaware (four).
More info
Milken Institute Publications – 2010 State Technology and Science Index: Enduring Lessons for the Intangible Economy