Tech industry to Republicans, Democrats: tech jobs are everywhere (not just in Silicon Valley)

Tech industry to Republicans, Democrats: tech jobs are everywhere (not just in Silicon Valley):from VentureBeat by John Koetsier
A new report from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute revealed that tech jobs are hot, they’re getting hotter, and they’re not just in Silicon Valley … or Silicon Alley. In fact, communities in unconventional hotspots Wisconson, Ohio, and North Carolina have recently seen increases of more than 10 percent in high-tech employment.
High-tech jobs are only six percent of jobs in the U.S., but they are growing faster than other jobs – 2.6 percent versus 1.9 percent – and they pay more on average. In addition, at least 61 percent of counties in the U.S. had at least some high-tech jobs in 2011, the report reveals. And in 2009, more than 72 percent of counties saw at least one new high-tech startup business.
The goal of the report and the timing of its release is to show government leaders that technology is important, that high-tech industries are outpacing others in job growth, and that internet and software jobs are not limited to just a few states. In other words, what’s good for technology is good for the United States.
The subtext? Don’t kill the goose that’s laying the golden eggs:
“Our top priority needs to be unleashing startups and high-tech jobs — and reducing barriers that stifle innovation,” said Google’s VP of Public Policy, Susan Molinari.
Engine, the “voice of startups to government,” collaborated in the creation of the report, and revealed some of its data in an interactive data visualization that reveals the top tech cities and states. For example, cities below such as Austin, Milwaukee, Maryland, and traditional tech hot spots such as Seattle and San Francisco represent locations with more than twice the national average of high-tech workers:

States that are more red, such as Washinton, New Mexico, Virginia, New York, and California, represent areas with higher than average tech employment:

Industries tracked include “computer hardware, software, systems design, and information; high-technology communications and electronics equipment; internet publishing and web search portals; data hosting and processing services; pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing; aerospace manufacturing; architecture and engineering services; and research and development services.”
The report was unveiled this morning at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, and discussions will be held on its significance at the Democratic National Convention next week as well.
Image credits: Engine.is

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