“The availability of technical talent is critical for economic development in Georgia. The lack of candidates to fill growing demand in technology jobs poses a threat to state competitiveness at a time when a competitive edge is more important than ever.” - Gary S. May, Dean, College of Engineering; Professor, School of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

High-Tech Establishment Growth

Establishment growth in Georgia's technology sector has been relatively strong in recent years; even during the recession. Georgia outpaced the nation in this benchmark three of the last four years. The 2011 growth rate of 1.3 percent was ahead of the national rate of 1.1 percent. The exceptionally strong showing in 2009 has been attributed to laid off workers establishing their own small businesses as a way to generate income until full-time employment prospects strengthened. This trend was magnified in Georgia because of the deep employment downturn in the state's telecommunications segment.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics