Every year WTC puts together a comprehensive analysis of trends and indicators that provide a statistical background for measuring the state’s technology based economic growth. The Index is a summary of this analysis and includes six core indicators. Twelve state regional areas were reviewed in the 2006 index.*

“I was delighted to get confirmation that Kitsap County continues to be well positioned to attract and retain technology-based enterprises and the high value-jobs they create,” noted David Porter Executive Director of the Kitsap Economic Development Council (KEDC).  “To maintain this edge we will have to focus a full measure of resources on developing and showcasing our talent pool.”

Following are some of the statistics reviewed in the Index.

Innovation: Patents generated per capita – Kitsap County 7th of 12; 2nd in Puget Sound Region (Seattle is first); New company creation – Kitsap County ranked 6th of 12; 3rd in Puget Sound Region.

Competitiveness: Technology Jobs per 1000 population – Kitsap County 2nd in the region (18.9); 7th of 12 in the state; Kitsap County increased 12 percent in technology employment from 2003 – 2004 – the 2nd highest increase in the state.

Growth: Kitsap County saw growth in the following of its top tech industries: computer system design and related services and software publishing. Technology wages in each region are higher than overall wages. Kitsap County is 9th in the state (4th out of 4 in the region) for technology wages.

Financial Capacity: Kitsap County placed 6th of 12 in both 2003 and 2004 for SBIR Awards on a per capita basis. Seattle was first in 2004 and Pullman took top honors in 2003. Private placements (listings with the Securities and Exchange Commission) on a per capita basis place Kitsap County at 9th. Seattle was first, while Pullman, Tacoma and Ellensburg had no private placements in the survey period.

Human Potential: Kitsap County is 5th in the state for 2003-2004 graduation rates and 1st in the region. Kitsap County was 2nd in the state for 4th grade math proficiency testing. It remained at 2nd for 10th grade proficiency, but the percentage dropped as it did for most communities.

Quality of Life: Kitsap County received a 134.33 Housing Affordability Index, making it the 3rd highest in the state and 2nd in the region. Kitsap County had the 2nd lowest property crime rate (per 1000) in the state (and region), while it received the 2nd highest rating for violent crime (per 1000).

For the full 2006 Innovation Index, download This PDF.

(*Areas reviewed: Bellingham, Bremerton (Kitsap County), Ellensburg, North Central, Olympia, Pullman, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Tri-Cities, Vancouver and Yakima. When Puget Sound Region is referenced, that refers to Bremerton, Olympia, Seattle and Tacoma.)