Information Technology Cluster

This cluster includes a wide range of industry sectors - the different starting digits of the NAICS codes demonstrate this. The primary components of this cluster include telecommunications, computer and on-line services, software, and computer and electronic manufacturing. This cluster exceeds the average U.S. employment concentration ratio by 50 percent - some components are highly concentrated, whereas others are more dispersed throughout the region.

2009 Action Items

Action Initiative	Action Initiative Area	Organization	Target Completion
Sustain commitment begun in the 2007 biennial budget to increase access for all Washington students to higher education opportunities - particularly in math and science degrees - at Washington state colleges and universities.	Education/ Information Technology	College & Work Ready Agenda / Washington State Governor / Washington State Legislature	April 2009

What’s New: HEC Board Report Focuses on High-Demand Degrees
In November 2008, the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board produced a new report: Opportunities for Change: Implementing the 2008 Strategic Master Plan for Higher Education. The report was the combined efforts of three working groups, including one on "Economic Needs Assessment" that included PSRC Executive Director Bob Drewel. In particular, the document found that "The state’s investment in high-demand programs of study must be sustained and enhanced, and the pipeline of interested and prepared students must be expanded".

Cluster Strategy Development Background
In 2005, to target its work in supporting the information technology cluster, the Prosperity Partnership formed an Information Technology Cluster Strategy Development Working Group tasked with identifying specific action initiatives to be implemented by 2010. A special thanks goes to the co-chairs of that working group:

   Ed Lazowska, Bill & Melinda Gates Chair in Computer Science & Engineering
   University of Washington
   www.washington.edu

   Jim Nall, President & CEO
   Paladin Data
   www.paladindata.com

The full Information Technology industry cluster strategy can be found starting on page 41 of the Prosperity Partnership's Regional Economic Strategy.

Contact
For more information, contact Chris Strow, cstrow@psrc.org, 206-971-3051