Bellingham Shows Promise as a Technology Region
Washington Technology Center report benchmarks state’s innovation economy potential

Seattle, WA – June 4, 2004 — Bellingham has the ability to increase its technology job base according to the Washington Technology Center’s 2004 Washington Index of Innovation and Technology. The Index includes detailed data on ten regions in the state, evaluating them against critical drivers necessary to support a technology-driven economy.

Bellingham placed fifth out of ten communities for patent generation, technology jobs per capita, and technology wages and sixth for tech employment as a percentage of total employment, federal research awards, and angel investment potential. Technology job growth did increase slightly from the previous year (1.2%) while many larger communities saw a decline. Bellingham also saw growth in two of its three dominant technology industries: Telephone Communications Services and Engineering & Architectural Services. Other strengths for Bellingham included placing second statewide for high school graduation rates and having the second lowest violent crime rate in the state.

“Bellingham continues to make strides in building its technology economy,” says Tab Wilkins, Director of Regional & Technical Services for the Washington Technology Center. “While it still lags behind the larger urban areas, this region continues to experience growth in technology jobs, patent generation and financial capacity, which are critical success drivers in shaping Bellingham’s future.”

WTC’s Index also includes a profile of Washington’s strengths comparing to other U.S. states. The report points to Washington’s history as a region rich in innovation and idea generation as the key component in building a technology-fueled economy, but indicates that an influx of financial investment is critical to ensuring the state has the capacity to capitalize on these strengths and parlay its innovation strength into successful commercial ventures and new jobs. The full report is available on the WTC website at www.watechcenter.org/techindex/index.html.

About the Washington Technology Center
WTC leads public and private efforts that focus state, federal and private resources to enhance Washington’s economy. We spark ideas, form connections between people and resources, and foster job growth to position our state as a national technology leader.

WTC supports business by: 1) providing access to technical expertise; 2) supporting funding for company projects jointly with universities; 3) providing access to federal R&D, small business and product development grants; 4) helping companies maximize their exposure to and preparation for, growth capital opportunities; and 5) housing a 15,000 square-foot public Microfabrication Laboratory, offering state-of-the-art process tools for research, technology development, and prototype manufacturing. The impact of WTC’s work with companies has generated $312 million in external funding for participating companies and researchers. For more information about WTC programs visit us on line at www.watechcenter.org or contact us at 206-685-1920.