What does it take to be an “Innovation Champion” in the United States?
According to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), an Innovation Champion is a state that:
Earn[s] high marks for maintaining strong right-to-work and LGBTQ legislation, fast internet access, a robust and business-friendly entrepreneurial climate, highly skilled workforces and openness to new business models and technologies.
Innovation Champions are the states that rank in the top 10. In 2017, Delaware ranks second only to Colorado.
That’s right — second out of 50.
Delaware’s biggest strength is the fact that it boasts the second fastest internet speed in the nation, just after Rhode Island, for an A+ grade. Also worth noting is the state’s “33,000-person technology workforce.”
Here’s a rundown of Delaware’s grades for 2017 — no straight As, but definitely honor roll:
The other Innovation Champions are, in order, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
Check out the complete scorecard here.
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