By most measures, the Texas economy is performing very well, with strong hiring, more major corporate locations and expansions than anywhere else, and regular appearances at or near the top of rankings of places to do business, start a business, or get a job. However, a recent study by the Brookings Institution and the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) highlights an area where the state is falling behind.
The study (“The Case for Growth Centers: How to Spread Tech Innovation Across America”) examined the 13 industries that are the most STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and R&D (research and development) intensive. In these industries, $20,000 per worker is spent on research and 45% of the workforce is in STEM occupations. These industries generate innovation, growth and high-paying jobs and range from semiconductors to software to aerospace to chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
The 20 metropolitan areas with the largest absolute numbers of jobs in innovation industries are concentrated on the west coast and in the northeast, though they are sprinkled across the nation. Not surprisingly, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, and Austin-Round Rock make the list.
