Colorado ranked No. 3 in the Milken Institute’s 2010 State Technology and Science Index, released Tuesday. The index, published every two years, evaluates states based on their ability to leverage their tech and science assets to attract companies and high-paying jobs.
Colorado ranked second in the percentage of its adult population with a bachelor’s degree or better, even though it was 47th in state appropriations for higher education per capita.
The state was sixth in terms of Inc. 500 companies per 10,000 business establishments.
Colorado’s overall index score dropped from 78.32 in 2008 to 75.73 in 2010, but it maintained its No. 3 ranking, behind Massachusetts and Maryland. The study specifically noted former Gov. Bill Ritter’s work with the “New Energy Economy” and the creation of a “Jobs Cabinet.”
Colorado’s weakest area was “risk capital and entrepreneurial infrastructure,” which measures venture capital resources, patenting activity, new businesses formed and initial public offerings. It ranked sixth in that category. Andy Vuong, The Denver Post
How they rank
1. Massachusetts
2. Maryland
3. Colorado
4. California
5. Utah
6. Washington
7. New Hampshire
8. Virginia
9. Connecticut
10. Delaware
Source: Milken Institute
