The high-tech revolution is fueling the American economy in ways unprecedented since the turn of the century. New major industries are growing overnight. Billionaires spring from nowhere. Cities that once were in the doldrums, are now capitals of high technology.
Where is Minnesota's place in the high-tech revolution? Twenty years ago, Minnesota was at the cutting edge of high technology. Are we still? What can the state do to return Minnesota to the forefront of innovation?
The High-Tech Fall
Minnesota gave rise to computing powerhouses like Control Data and Cray Research, companies that made the fastest computers in the world. But Minnesota has clearly lost that leadership role. One recent report ranked the Twin Cities 32nd in high-tech output.
Read | Listen
The Information Tide
Every once in a great while, major technological breakthroughs dramatically change the economy. Coal and steam power in the early 1800s, the railroad and the telegraph in the latter half of the 19th century, electric power and mass production in the first half of the 20th century. Today, information technologies are driving a surge in innovation that's transforming the way we live and work.
Read | Listen
Does the University of Minnesota Get It?
In an economy driven by innovation, research universities are playing an increasingly important role in developing high tech industries. The University of Minnesota has a long history of fueling economic growth through new ideas, like taconite processing and the cardiac pacemaker. But critics say the university isn't doing enough now.
Read | Listen
The E-commerce Race
Minnesota may not be on the cutting edge of the Internet revolution when it comes to developing the needed technologies. But Minnesota businesses have been quick to embrace the Internet to become more efficient and responsive to customers and suppliers.
Read | Listen
Austin's Power
Austin, Texas has transformed itself from a sleepy government and university town into a high-tech Mecca in the space of about 15 years. Cities from all over the world are studying what's called the "Austin Model" in the hope they, too, can cash in on the new innovation economy.
Read | Listen
Making Distance Insignificant
While the rapidly-rising popularity of electronic-commerce is helping to invigorate the economies of rural Minnesota, some Main Street businesses still face obstacles to taking full advantage of what the Internet has to offer.
Read | Listen
Hard Driving
There's never been a better time to find work in Minnesota's high-technology industries. The state's strong economy and low unemployment rate, has firms competing for the best workers with high pay, attractive benefit packages and flexible hours. But such attractions increasingly come at the price of other values, such as job security and a sense of belonging in a company.
Read | Listen
The Tech Cities
The Twin Cities has a long way to go before it can be considered a hotbed of the new high-tech economy. It lacks a big success story, like Microsoft or Dell Computer, companies with sufficent critical mass to generate spinoffs, satellite firms, and perhaps most important, national buzz. Many entrepreneurs say they have to look elsewhere for venture capitalists willing to invest in their start-up companies. But Twin Cities' technology industries are growing despite these obstacles, and companies that are thriving here say the area provides some unique advantages over high-tech centers such as the San Francisco Bay area.
Read | Listen
The Medical Technology Engine
The medical-technology industry has long been one of Minnesota's prime economic engines. Medical Alley, as the industry association is called, remains dominated by medical device-makers like Medtronic and St.Jude. But now a number of local companies are trying to create a new industry at the intersection of medical and information technology.
Read | Listen
The Dream Merchants
The Minnesota business community has long prided itself on the vitality of its venture-capital industry. Venture capitalists provide money to promising start-ups, hoping for a big payoff when the company goes public or is sold to another firm. Nationally,
venture capitalists have been a major force in fueling the high tech-driven
economic expansion. But Minnesota may not be getting its fair share.
Read | Listen
|
© 2024 | Home : Terms of Use : Your Privacy Rights