Many of you may remember the research that Virginia Tech professor Dr. Heike Mayer conducted last year here in the area.  She has gathered her research and written a report on her findings.  The Innovation Poster is available for purchase by contacting Krissa Wrigley at Idaho Tech Connect.  You can also read the full report on the Tech Connect website.

From the press release:

Mayer’s research found that Micron and Hewlett Packard served as surrogate universities and incubators for many of the featured entrepreneurs.

The flip side of the poster focuses on the strength of the innovation economy statewide, showing the number of technology firms in each county. Vignettes of 12 companies from around the state – from Quest Aircraft in Sandpoint to International Isotopes in Idaho Falls – line the edges. A total of 3,849 technology companies are in Idaho, employing more than 50,000 people.

“We think people will be surprised at the breadth and depth of innovation occurring in our state, especially as they realize that every county has at least one innovative company,” said Rick Ritter, CEO and President of Idaho TechConnect and lead sponsor for the project.

I personally haven't had a chance to review the report yet so I'll save my thoughts on it after reading it.  If you're interested in what Dr. Mayer and her research, more can be found on the Virginia Tech website.

But I do have to share two wonderful quotes from the website:

High-Tech Economy

Compared to other high-tech regions, Boise’s high-technology industry is rather small: The region’s 34,081 high-tech workers are employed by 1,335 firms, of which 77 percent employ less than 9 people and a mere 3.4 percent employ more than 100. The industry is highly specialized in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, computer and electronic products, software publishing, and engineering services.

Implication for Public Policy

Idaho’s state and local policymakers have to understand and recognize the importance of the knowledge economy. They need to support entrepreneurship, industry-university connections, workforce and skill development, talent creation, and the region’s quality of life. Knowledge-based industries are critical for future growth for any region, and Boise needs to recognize that it already has the right prerequisites to succeed in a knowledge economy. To take the region to the next level, policymakers need to make strategic investments in their universities, connect to and leverage industry R&D, and they need to develop, attract, and retain talent.

The only thing I can add to that is a resounding AMEN!!!