Study ranks states based on shift toward 'new economy'

11/23/2010 11:53 AM

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation recently released their latest State New Economy Index with Massachusetts once again taking the top spot.

The New Economy Index ranks the states based on a set of 26 criteria broken into five categories, including the prevalence of technology jobs. According to the report, high-scoring states have an abundance of high-tech firms and a high concentration of managers, professionals and college-educated residents working in knowledge jobs, defined as those that require at least a two-year degree.

“A mix of highly productive and innovative New Economy firms is necessary for an economy to prosper," Robert Litan, vice president of research and policy at the Kauffman Foundation, said.

Joining Massachusetts at the top were Washington, Maryland, New Jersey and Connecticut. The bottom of the index remained unchanged from the 2008 report, with Mississippi and West Virginia falling behind the most in shifting to the new economy.

Professionals looking for career opportunities as IT employees are encouraged to focus efforts on the highly ranked states, as these have an infrastructure that supports the strive for technology innovations, according to the report.

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