Rhode Island named ‘Innovation Leader’ in annual Innovation Scorecard

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island was named an “Innovation Leader” in the Consumer Technology Association’s 2017 Innovation Scorecard.

The annual scorecard rates the states on innovation-friendly policies according to 10 indicators, including undergraduates earning Science, Technology, Engineering and Math degrees, regulations for self-driving cars, laws prohibiting discrimination on basis of gender or sexual orientation, and laws governing emerging new technologies.

The composite score of each grade determines a state’s overall distinction.
Innovation Champions is the highest ranking, followed by Innovation Leaders, Innovation Adopters and Modest Innovators.

“The technology sector supports more than 15 million American jobs and accounts for more than 10 percent of U.S. [gross domestic product],” Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the CTA, said in a statement. “State policies that drive innovation are critical to our nation’s economic growth. Each year, our scorecard tracks and measures the state-level practices that support entrepreneurs and innovators, whether that’s the strength of a state’s tech workforce or how well a state educates the workers of tomorrow. More, for the first time this year, the scorecard grades states on their support for self-driving cars – one of the emerging tech categories that will help expand access to mobility and save lives.”

Rhode Island landed in the second-highest tier on the scorecard, along with 19 other states including Vermont and Connecticut.

The Ocean State was recognized for its tax policies that CTA described as friendly to businesses, above average job and small business growth, average internet speeds of 19,607 kbps (Rhode Island is one of four states along with Massachusetts with the fastest internet speeds in the country), more than 39,700 technology workers, more than $20 per capita in venture capital investment last year and $542 per capita in research and development, as well as 32.5 college degrees granted in STEM subjects for every 1,000 young people. It was faulted, however, for a burdensome electronics recycling law.

The report noted Rhode Island’s lack of a right-to-work law, but noted it does have a law against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. It also highlighted Rhode Island’s legalized ridesharing statewide and homesharing, though some municipal issues remain.

Still, Rhode Island, Arizona and Idaho are considered the most welcoming states for ridesharing and homesharing services.

Rhode Island’s highest grades were in fast internet speed, in which it received an A+, as well as new business models, where it received an A, and STEM degrees, A-. Its lowest grade was in tax friendliness, where it received a C-.

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, North Dakota, Virginia, Utah and Washington all were named Innovation Champions. Colorado, Maryland, New Hampshire and Washington earned the scorecard’s top designation of Innovation Champion for the first time, the report said.

Maine was in the Innovation Adopter category.

CTA is the trade association representing the $292 billion U.S. consumer technology industry.