The bad news is we're still only just above average in our rankings in the third bi-annual Milken Institute State Technology and Science Index. The index measures states relative competitiveness when it comes to leveraging technology and science to promote economic development. Vermont ranked 19th...behind all of our neighbors. Massachusetts took the top spot with New Hampshire taking 9th and New York at 15th, and lets not forget Connecticut at 7th.
Massachusetts retains its 1st-place position in the 2008 State Technology and Science Index with an overall score of 82.61. Its lead has diminished somewhat, but Massachusetts remains the gold standard for other states to consider when evaluating their own technology and science capabilities.
While some credit may be due for moving the state up three spots its certainly possible we moved up because other states moved down, its hard to tell. What is perfectly clear is we're still behind our peers who, with the exception of NY, are moving up the list right along with us. Furthermore, even with an average rank we're decidedly behind almost all of the other north east states except Maine (39th). This brings to minds the old adage that says if you are camping and you're chased by a bear, you don't need to out run the bear... you only need to out run the slowest camper. Massachusetts just ran a three minute mile.
The big question is, what's stopping us from running that fast? Our own policies? Imagine what our economy would look like if we were number one. Money would flow in from our neighbors who are amongthe most populous and wealthy states in the nation. We'd experience the kinds of unrelenting and unmitigated economic growth that strikes fear in the hearts of liberals.
As a side note, with Massachusetts taking first place it kind of makes you wonder why the Pursue Vermont folks targeted Boston to steal away young tech workers. Talk about picking a fight. In fact the Milken index ranked Vermont 9th on their Human Capital index which measures the per-cap number of science and engineering degrees but ranked us 19th for Technology and Science Workforce which measures the per-cap number people employed with a science or engineering degree. These rankings suggest we have a shortage of suitable jobs rather than a shortage of qualified employees. Surprised? I'm not - claiming we need more "creative class" workers is what you would expect from the one pony show consulting company behind the Vermont Next Gen Workforce Report. You get what you pay for I suppose.
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