Staying on the cutting edge of innovation and successfully bringing patentable products to market is the hallmark of a robust state economy. Washington State ranks 3rd in innovation and 1st in concentration of STEM employment by the 2016 Bloomberg U.S. Innovation Index.
States are ranked by measuring six critical metrics. The Index evaluates R&D intensity; productivity; high-tech density; concentration of science, technology, engineering and math employment; the number of graduates with science and engineering degrees; and the number of patents. Read more in the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Critical elements for this success are a cluster of research institutions, an emphasis on STEM curricula in early stages and higher education, a culture of collaboration and an entrepreneurial spirit. Washington has top-tier research institutions at the University of Washington, Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, as well as nationally recognized private research organizations in life sciences. Washington State business legends such as Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have been setting the standard in aerospace, digital technology, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. Our pioneering spirit, emphasis on research and innovation, and cross-industry collaboration have fueled Washington’s long-term success and quick recovery from the Great Recession.
To learn more about innovation in Washington State contact moreinfo@choosewashingtonstate.com