Tech Sector Affects Every Congressional District

The country’s competitive position in the global economy hinges on developing broad-based understanding and support for federal policies that will spur innovation and growth.  The policy discussions surrounding the high-tech economy should encompass all congressional districts, not just the iconic places like Silicon Valley, according to a report released this week by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). Every congressional district has some kind of technology and innovation capacity – either from long-established industries, like agriculture or manufacturing, or because developments like access to broadband have allowed innovators to create new, IT-enabled enterprises in any place they choose.  Therefore, each district has a stake in ensuring the high-tech economy’s future, the authors contend.

The report details the breadth of the high-tech economy “so members of Congress and other policymakers can find common cause in advancing an agenda that builds up the shared foundations of national strength in a globally integrated marketplace.” Those shared foundations include a highly educated and skilled workforce, robust research and development, digital-age infrastructure and globally competitive high-tech industries, and need corresponding support.  Policies to build those foundations include better STEM education, federal investments in scientific and engineering research, and the right regulatory and trade policies, among other initiatives, the authors maintain.

The report, High-Tech Nation: How Technological Innovation Shapes America’s 435 Congressional Districts, uses 20 indicators of the innovation economy to give a picture of all 435 U.S. congressional districts, 50 states, and the District of Columbia. It ranks the top 50 districts and all 50 states, and includes interactive features and maps to explore the information in depth.