Section 08
State Comparison of Tech Infrastructure Metrics
Similar to other parts of the economy, the technology sector needs a solid infrastructure to flourish
Logistics firms must have good highways to conduct their business, agriculture firms need strong ports for export, and many manufacturers require robust water systems. A strong technology infrastructure can be essential to a “knowledge-based economy.” The World Bank defines strong knowledge-based economies on four pillars:
- Entrepreneurship incentives
- Skilled and educated labor force
- Physical infrastructure access for technology and communications
- Innovation ecosystem that fosters collaboration between academia, private sector, and government
Using this framework, the technology infrastructure of North Carolina was evaluated by comparing factors such as funding access, patents, STEM education, and university technology transfer. This section compares indicators that reflect a state’s technology infrastructure and assesses North Carolina’s position among other states. Additional state competitiveness factors, such as working-age population change and business tax rates, were also considered.