The research arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released its annual Enterprising States report this week. The study takes a broad look at job creation and the economy in the U.S. Each state is ranked on their strength in 6 categories like economic performance and business climate, but how does Texas stack up against other states?
Mark Schill is the lead analyst and co-author of the report. He says, for Texas, STEM-job growth and an increase in the amount of high-tech jobs, made the state stand out.
“Just because you’re not Silicon Valley doesn’t mean you’re totally out of the game," Schill said. "That was a big takeaway and I think Texas is one of the better examples of that, of being both strong in tech growth but also having a fairly significant presence in the Tech economy.”
According to the study, Texas added more jobs than any other state in 2014. And that, Schill says, is what helped to bolster the Lone Star state’s top 10 ranking in categories like economic performance, high tech performance, and transportation and trade.
"There's already significant STEM presence and high-tech presence there. It's a good sign to say, to push back a little back on the theme of saying 'Well, Texas may be growing, but they're not good jobs.' Well there are a few good jobs there, and I think those tech indicators are a good sign for the future."
