Idaho already science and technology savvy

Idaho isn’t seeking to become a science and technology hotbed. Believe it or not, it already is.

Economic development officials around the state are trying to get the word out that Idaho has a strong science- and technology-based economy.

By Sean Ellis – Journal Writer

http://www.journalnet.com/articles/2004/11/05/news/local/news04.txt

The idea is to draw even more high-tech firms to the state, bringing more and better-paying jobs.

"We’re already a science and technology driven state. Period," says Jan Rogers, president of the Idaho Economic Development Association, which developed the marketing campaign and includes Bannock Development Corp.

"It’s just factual information, but nobody has ever put it in a basket and said, ‘Look at what we have.’" Rogers said. Consider:

– More patents per capita have been issued in Idaho than in any other state.

– In 2001, science and technology accounted for more than 35 percent ($9.3 billion) of Idaho’s gross state product.

– Science and technology employment increased 38 percent in Idaho between 1991 and 2002.

– Science and technology wages are 92 percent higher than the statewide average.

– Idaho has more than 800 high-tech firms, which export $2.1 billion worth of goods and services annually, placing the state among the top 20 for high-tech exports.

– There are 120,000 miles of broadband connective fiber cable in Idaho.

When Burstedt shares that information with people from outside the state, "they don’t believe you at first," he says.

"The reality is we are a techno-savvy state. We just don’t tell the story," Rogers says.