New AeA Cyberstates 2005 Report Full of Bright Spots for Georgia High-Tech Industry

While Georgia was hit hard by the technology downturn, Georgia still ranks 11th in the nation in high tech employment, according to Cyberstates 2005: A State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry, a new analytical report released today by AeA.

Georgia's high-tech export data show a turnaround in the tech industry. Tech exports grew by $225 million in 2004 for a total of $3.2 billion in Georgia, making it the 13th ranked state in the U.S. These exports accounted for 16 percent of all exports from the state.

"Georgia continues to be a highly attractive location for tech companies," said Brian Martin, Chair of the AeA's SE Council and CEO of Nanoventions, Inc in Roswell. "In 1998, Georgia ranked 13th in the nation by employment, we now rank 11th. Furthermore, we are highly encouraged because venture capital investments in Georgia soared by 88 percent in 2004 for a total of $585 million."

The report found that high-tech workers in Georgia were paid extremely well. The average high-tech wage in the state was $65,600 in 2003, or 78 percent higher than the state's average private sector wage.

Nationally, Cyberstates 2005 shows that the high-tech industry is slowly turning the corner. High-tech employment was down by only 25,000 jobs out of 5.6 million workers in 2004. U.S. high-tech exports were up by 12 percent for a total of $191 billion in 2004. In addition, technology related venture capital investments were up for the first time in four years.

This eighth annual edition of Cyberstates provides a comprehensive review of the high-tech industry nationally and state-by-state by high-tech employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and trade. Cyberstates also offers data on venture capital investments and R&D expenditures.

AeA members can purchase the report for $95; non-members for $190. Visit www.aeanet.org to download the report, or call 800.284.4232 or 408.987.4200.

AeA is the nation's largest high-tech trade association. Founded in 1943, AeA utilizes an extensive international network of offices to serve its members through advocacy, training, research, and business services. www.aeanet.org

What Does High Tech Mean for Georgia?

167,600 high-tech workers (11th ranked cyberstate)
10,500 jobs lost between 2002 and 2003
High-tech firms employed 53 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2003, ranked 20th nationwide
High-tech workers earned an average wage of $65,600 (17th ranked), or 78% more than Georgia's average private sector wage
A high-tech payroll of $11 billion in 2003, ranked 13th nationwide
11,400 high-tech establishments in 2003, ranked 10th nationwide
High-tech exports totaled $3.2 billion in 2004, ranked 13th nationwide
High-tech exports represented 16% of Georgia's exports
Venture capital investments of $585 million in 2004, up 88% from $311 million in 2003
R&D expenditures of $3.9 billion in 2002, ranked 21st nationwide
Georgia's National Industry Segment Rankings:

5th in telecommunications services employment with 51,400 jobs
6th in software publishers employment with 11,300 jobs
7th in Internet services employment with 19,700 jobs
8th in computer systems design and related services with 44,500 jobs
Source: Cyberstates 2005
Data are for 2003 unless otherwise noted.
2003 data are the most current for state employment, wages,
payroll, establishments, and industry segment jobs.

Published by AeA, Advancing the Business of Technology (www.aeanet.org).



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Source: AeA