Oregon Moves Up to 3^rd in Semiconductor Manufacturing Employment Venture Capital Investments in Oregon Rise 56 Percent in 2004

Lake Oswego, OR, April 26, 2005— Oregon ranked 3^rd by semiconductor manufacturing employment nationwide in 2003, up from 4^th in 2002.  Semiconductors also helped to make Oregon the 9^th ranked state by high-tech exports in 2004.  Oregon’s high-tech exports totaled $4.4 billion in 2004, accounting for 39 percent of all Oregon exports, according to Cyberstates 2005:  A State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry, a new analytical report released today by AeA.

Oregon's high-tech industry employment fell by 6,200 from 87,600 in 2002 to 81,400 in 2003, the most recent year state data are available.  While Oregon was hit hard by the technology slowdown, the high-tech job losses slowed in 2003 compared to 2002.  Additionally, venture capital investments soared 56 percent, totaling $156 million in 2004. 

“Oregon's technology industry is rebounding,” said Matt Chapman, president and CEO of Centrisoft Corporation.  “We have great companies, a very positive quality of life, and a highly motivated, trained workforce that all form the core for serious growth and opportunity, especially as we continue to increase our investment in education.”

Nationally, Cyberstates 2005 shows that the high-tech industry is slowing turning the corner.  High-tech employment was down by only 25,000 jobs out of 5.6 million workers in 2004.  U.S. high-tech exports were up by 12 percent for a total of $191 billion in 2004.  And, technology related venture capital investments were up for the first time in four years.

This eighth annual edition of Cyberstates provides a comprehensive review of the high-tech industry nationally and state-by-state by high-tech employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and trade.  Cyberstates also offers data on venture capital investments and R&D expenditures.

AeA members can purchase the report for $95; non-members for $190.  Visit www.aeanet.org to download the report, or call 800.284.4232 or 408.987.4200.

What Does High Tech Mean for Oregon?

·      81,400 high-tech workers (20^th ranked cyberstate)

·      6,200 jobs lost between 2002 and 2003

·      High-tech firms employed 62 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2003, ranked 13^th nationwide

·      High-tech workers earned an average wage of $66,900 (15^th ranked), or 98% more than Oregon's average private sector wage

·      A high-tech payroll of $5.4 billion in 2003, ranked 19^th nationwide

·      4,200 high-tech establishments in 2003, ranked 23^rd nationwide

·      High-tech exports totaled $4.4 billion in 2004, ranked 9^th nationwide

·      High-tech exports represented 39% of Oregon’s exports

·      Venture capital investments of $156 million in 2004, up 56% from $100 million in 2003

·      R&D expenditures of $2.9 billion in 2002, ranked 23^rd nationwide

Oregon’s National Industry Segment Rankings:

·      3^rd in semiconductor manufacturing employment with 26,300 jobs

·      9^th in software publishers employment with 7,200 jobs

·      11^th in computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing employment with 3,600 jobs

Source:  Cyberstates 2005

Data are for 2003 unless otherwise noted.

2003 data are the most current for state employment, wages, payroll, establishments, and industry segment jobs.

Published by AeA, Advancing the Business of Technology

NOTE TO EDITORS: Press releases focusing on U.S. high-tech trade as well as on specific states are available on AeA’s website.

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About AeA
AeA, founded in 1943, is a nationwide non-profit trade association that represents all segments of the technology industry and is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs.  For more information, please visit http://www.aeanet.org.

This page was last updated on 04/26/05.