Information Technology Cluster

This cluster includes a wide range of industry sectors. The primary components include telecommunications, computer and on-line services, software, and computer and electronic manufacturing. This cluster exceeds the average U.S. employment concentration ratio by 50 percent - some components are highly concentrated, whereas others are more dispersed throughout the region.

2010 Action Item

Action Initiative	Action Initiative Area	Organization
Implement the recommendations of "Fostering Washington's Innovation Economy," the report of the SB 6015 Committee.	Information Technology / Life Sciences	SB 6015 Advisory Group / Washington State Department of Commerce / Washington State Legislature

What’s New: State Releases Report on Fostering Washington’s Innovation Economy
Fostering Washington’s Innovation Economy was prepared in response to legislation directing the Department of Commerce to review commercialization and innovation efforts in the state’s life sciences and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. The report found that capital, collaboration, talent and taxes are all key ingredients that we must either attract, develop, nurture or be mindful of if Washington is to remain a top state for innovation and technology. Among the report’s recommendations are to appoint “sector leads” in the Department of Commerce who will responsible for promoting the state’s economic development of both life sciences and ICT and to develop a strategy to promote the state’s “reputation, brand and profile” in both life sciences and ICT sectors. To learn more, read the report.

Cluster Strategy Development Background
In 2005, to target its work in supporting the information technology cluster, the Prosperity Partnership formed an Information Technology Cluster Strategy Development Working Group tasked with identifying specific action initiatives to be implemented by 2010. A special thanks goes to the co-chairs of that working group:

   Ed Lazowska, Bill & Melinda Gates Chair in Computer Science & Engineering
   University of Washington
   www.washington.edu

   Jim Nall, President & CEO
   Paladin Data
   www.paladindata.com

The full Information Technology industry cluster strategy can be found starting on page 41 of the Prosperity Partnership's Regional Economic Strategy.

Contact
For more information, contact Joan Chen at jchen@psrc.org or 206-389-2889.