CNBC’s annual study, America’s Top States for Business, grades states on several criteria in Technology & Innovation. Washington ranks fifth for 2011 (the same as the prior year). Medical research grants and broadband connectivity were important factors. The state ranked “respectably” in high tech business formation and in the top five for patents awarded. The report noted, “Seattle is well known as the home of major internet companies including Amazon, Classmates.com and Zillow.com, but new tech companies are opening in the state capital as well as other parts of the state.”
Source: CNBC, July 2012.