Arizona is gaining ground on the national science and technology playing field.

According to the 2004 National State Technology and Science Index, released recently by the Milken Institute, Arizona has moved this year to rank 17, up one from its rank of 18 two years ago.

The improved rating is primarily due to increased funding for research and development and an upswing in venture-capital investment. However, declines in the share of science and engineering degrees awarded by the state's universities offset these advances somewhat.

Index rankings are based on measurements of technology-based economic development in the states, including research, talent, and financial resources.

"On balance, Arizona has certainly kept its position," Ross DeVol, director of regional economics at the institute, told the Arizona Republic. "It still indicates that Arizona is a midtier technology and science state trying to move into the upper tier, and is right on the cusp if doing so."

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For more information:

"State up 1 spot in tech ranking," Arizona Republic, 03/30/2004

"Arizona's high-tech rating rises," Arizona Daily Star, 04/01/2004