The State Technology and Science Index (STSI) measures states on their science and technology capabilities and broader commercialization ecosystems that contribute to firm expansion, high-skills job creation, and broad economic growth. It aims to demonstrate a state’s foundation and preparedness for future innovative economic competitiveness and adaptability.

The STSI’s 107 individual indicators are sorted into five composites: research and development (R&D) inputs, risk capital and entrepreneurial infrastructure, human capital investment, technology and science workforce, and technology concentration and dynamism.

Key findings:

Massachusetts tops the ranking again in the 2018 edition of the STSI, maintaining its lead since 2002. The state places first on three of the five sub-indexes—retaining the R&D inputs composite crown, and increasing by one rank on both the risk capital and entrepreneurial infrastructure composite and the human capital investment composite.

• Utah jumps from No. 8 to No. 5 in this year’s STSI, the only change in the top 5. The state has seen the fastest employment growth in the high-tech sector in the nation, at 4.3 percent.
• New Hampshire gains two ranks to break into the top ten, ranking ninth on the STSI this year.
• The biggest overall gainer was Florida which climbed up 8 ranks. Arizona (No. 17), Idaho (No. 26), Montana (No. 28), South Carolina (No. 37) all increased their rank by six places.
• Nebraska and North Dakota saw the biggest drops, falling nine spots to end up at No. 34 and No. 38, respectively.

The following table ranks 2018's top ten and shows their overall score and changes in ranks from 2016.

VIEW THE FULL RANKINGS