TechPoint's 2008 Agenda

In a sector that has generated more than $1 billion in new Hoosier wealth creation and reinvestment over the past decade, TechPoint today serves as the preeminent voice and change agent for Indiana's growing technology economy.  The international technology sector, particularly the Information Technology (IT) segment, represents the key driver for economic growth and diversification.  Technology touches all economic sectors, and Indiana must continue its advancement to foster and achieve real competitiveness.

Indiana’s growing broadband-based economy enables the state to more effectively compete on a global scale, and positions the state to grow, attract and sustain high-wage and high-impact companies.  Quantitative evidence of Indiana’s growth in this sector can be found in numerous places, including formal research.  For example, one national report in 2007 ranked Indiana 23rd in the number of high-tech workers, and these 68,600 high tech workers earn an average of $55,700, or 57 percent more than Indiana's private sector wage.  Earlier in the decade, 400 new high-tech jobs were added in Indiana alone between 2004 and 2005. In 2005, Indiana boasted 5,100 high-tech establishments, ranking us 20^th nationwide in a separate analysis. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development has projected growth in the sector to exceed 10,000 new jobs for the ten year period ending in 2014.

TechPoint's mission is nothing short of real and lasting positive transformation. As evidenced by the state’s creation of the 21^st Century Fund, the Certified Technology Park (CTP) program, and other unique initiatives for capital formation and patent development, relevant policy can truly catalyze critical change and measurably advance the state's progress in elevating a technology-driven economy.  We achieve this in part by advocating for progressive policy changes that enhance technology‑based enterprise and employment in Indiana. Much has been achieved, but much more remains. To that end, TechPoint's 2008 agenda addresses these broad issues:

• Economic Development Tools
• Research & Development Investment
• Capital Formation
• Workforce Development
• Education
• Digital Infrastructure

In addition, TechPoint will continue aggressively pursuing the twin goals of improving Indiana's economy through entrepreneurship and technology leadership.  Rapid progress toward these goals remains essential if we are to ensure prosperity for future generations of Hoosiers.  In recent years, the state has made much progress, but much more remains to be done.  

The realm of law represents the critical infrastructure providing for free markets and economic prosperity.  Like any infrastructure, it requires updates.  The State of Indiana must continue to identify and make changes to its laws in order to keep Indiana competitive with the mix of taxes, programs and incentives found in other jurisdictions.  We must continually reassess and take bold steps to encourage investment and employment within our borders.  Specifically, Indiana's education, economic‑ and workforce‑development systems must align to create an environment that is attractive to new, entrepreneurial business investment with particular emphasis on diversifying the state economy.

The following describes each 2008 agenda item and outlines TechPoint's recommendations.