Wisconsin’s High-Tech Industry Totals 77,200 Jobs
Wisconsin's Tech Exports Increase by $340 million in 2004

Oakbrook Terrace, IL, April 26, 2005 — High-tech industry employment in Wisconsin totaled 77,200 in 2003, the most recent available state data.  While Wisconsin's tech industry was hit by the technology slowdown, it lost only 2,300 jobs in 2003 and saw high-tech exports and venture capital investments increase in 2004, according to Cyberstates 2005:  A State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry, a new analytical report released today by AeA.

One of the companies that posted significant job growth during the last 12 months is Madison-based Sonic Foundry (NASDAQ: SOFO).

"This report demonstrates how critical it is for Wisconsin to focus on creating an environment that promotes jobs and growth,” said Mr. Rimas Buinevicius, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sonic Foundry, Inc., based in Madison, WI.  "Technology is critical to our future, and we need to be aggressive in creating a business climate that supports existing companies and attracts new ones, with economic policies and leadership that understand how essential this industry truly is for Wisconsin."

The report found that there are some positive signs for the tech industry in Wisconsin.  High-tech exports increased by $340 million to $2.6 billion in 2004.  Likewise, venture capital investments increased by $19 million, totaling $57 million in 2004.

Nationally, Cyberstates 2005 shows that the high-tech industry is slowly 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 Wisconsin?

·      77,200 high-tech workers (21^st ranked cyberstate)

·      2,300 jobs lost between 2002 and 2003

·      High-tech firms employed 33 of every 1,000 private sector workers in 2003, ranked 37^th nationwide

·      High-tech workers earned an average wage of $54,300 (34^th ranked), or 65% more than Wisconsin's average private sector wage

·      A high-tech payroll of $4.2 billion in 2003, ranked 22^nd nationwide

·      4,800 high-tech establishments in 2003, ranked 22^nd nationwide

·      High-tech exports totaled $2.6 billion in 2004, ranked 18^th nationwide

·      High-tech exports represented 21% of Wisconsin's exports

·      Venture capital investments of $57 million in 2004, ranked 29^th nationwide

·      R&D expenditures of $3.6 billion in 2002, ranked 22^nd nationwide

Wisconsin’s National Industry Segment Rankings:

·      12^th in electronic components manufacturing employment with 6,100 jobs

·      14^th in Internet services employment with 8,800 jobs

·      19^th in computers and peripheral equipment manufacturing with 2,500 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 04/27/05.