Morrison report cites Arizona high-tech needs

Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy has published a report examining Arizona's competitiveness in the national race for high-wage jobs and a knowledge-based economy. "Economic Development Via Science and Technology: How Can Arizona Improve Its Standing?" points to both the need for collective action and the necessity for policy makers to take the lead in developing such relationships.

Arizona's economic strengths and weaknesses in economic development, tax and fiscal affairs, education, and tech business development programs were compared to those found in four chief rival states: California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington.

"A team of long-time observers of the Arizona economy analyzed how these leading states in science and technology got where they are today," said Rob Melnick, ASU's associate vice president for economic affairs and director of the Morrison Institute. "Our findings shed light on Arizona's current readiness to prosper from economic development based on technological innovation."

The research revealed that the states examined all share certain salient characteristics, together demonstrating the impact of sustained governmental funding, state and local human and capital infrastructure commitments, private investment, catalytic events, and strong leadership. Along these lines, the paper concludes with five recommended strategies to improve Arizona's prospects for a high-tech future, including:

• Lasting, enthusiastic leadership that recognizes the value of science and technology
• The right message and strategy to convey the urgency of this matter
• Investment in the creation and sustenance of first-tier research institutions
• More and better mechanisms to improve the transfer of ideas into the market place
• A belief that the state can be a leader in science and technology

"From the research, it seems clear that the states that are most likely to prosper will involve leadership from all sectors and make smart investments from many sources," said Melnick.

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For more information:

"Arizona in need of 'flamethrower leaders," Arizona Republic, 09/05/2003

Morrison Institute press release, 09/05/2003

Morrison Institute report, "Economic Development Via Science and Technology: How Can Arizona Improve Its Standing?" (PDF)

"Morrison findings a needed wake-up call for tech industry," editorial, Business Journal, 09/29/03

"Report prompts tech leaders to speak out," Business Journal, 09/22/03

"Morrison Report Touts High Tech To Boost State's Economy," Arizona Capitol Times, 09/12/03

"Arizona struggling in high-tech sector," Business Journal, 09/8/03