From Deseret News archives:
Utah is back in the technology game, experts say
State will never be a 'Silicon Valley,' however
So said panelists Wednesday at a discussion regarding the next 365 days for technology in Utah.
"We're now back in the game where people are talking about us," Brad Bertoch, president and chief executive officer of business accelerator The Wayne Brown Institute, said during the luncheon discussion presented by Vanguard Media Group. "People forget that in 1992 . . . there were three places in the world for software to come from: Redmond (Wash.), Silicon Valley and the Wasatch Front. By 2000, we were nowhere. We were gone. And in the last five years, we have made a stellar comeback."
But Jeff Edwards, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corp. of Utah, suggested Utah's strengths may be best exploited specifically rather than generally.
"I think we can be successful in niches," he said. "I get disturbed by people who talk about Utah becoming a new Silicon Valley. It ain't happening any time soon, guys."
Edwards and the other panelists said security software, home automation systems and life sciences (including personalized medicine) are among industries in which Utah can be the leader.
Panelists agreed on the force of Utah's tech sector, discussing various formulas indicating that each tech job leads to the creation of several other jobs. And Bertoch noted that information technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing represent the state's largest industrial sector, accounting for one-fourth of the state's GDP despite having only 5 percent of the state's work force. Those jobs also pay well.
"It says, number one, if you want to solve the education problems of the state of Utah, create more high-technology jobs, because the efficiency of tax generation is unparalleled," Bertoch said. "You can generate a whole lot of tax revenue by creating more high-technology jobs. . . .
"The other implication is that people don't know that, so the Legislature has typically been an 'old economy' Legislature. We have very few people that know anything about technology in the Legislature, and it has only been in literally the last two years that some of the 'old economy' guys have finally said, 'Hey, this tech stuff is important.' "
Comments
- Festival of Trees includes roadster 2:14 a.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 1:15 a.m.
- Witness describes '99 killing 1:15 a.m.
- Police increase presence at Skyline 1:14 a.m.
- Cougars cruise past Southern 1:03 a.m.
- Utes fall to Seattle U. at home 1:01 a.m.
- Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day 12:59 a.m.
- Y. focused on 10-win season 12:54 a.m.
- Thunder rolls by Jazz 12:49 a.m.
- Sloan remembers Abe Pollin 12:47 a.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Best prep football games of 2009
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Witness describes '99 killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
232 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
224 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
189 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
122 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
93
Maya was wronged. The trophy was stolen. The judges had to give him a 30 so...
Go Coug's I'll be there at LES and I expect a great finsh from Max Pitta and Co.
At least he won't be a stupid Junior. Has anyone played worse in the rivalry...
I was hoping they would win, but the were up against a lot of great talent....
I agree completely with your comments about Jay Leno. He goes way to far and...
I, too, think Mr. Gale does a great job with his articles. His...
We should drill more and lower the price globally for oil. Fine build nuclear...
No I don't own a poster of shirtless Jacob - but there is a huge difference...
Gary, What nonsense! Specify the emails that "prove" deception. You...
if you guys don't think soccer is a sport? then what do you consider a sport?...


You can be the first to comment on this story.