Speaking of innovation, a recent report rapped North Carolina for being behind in its transition from traditional industries to a knowledge-based economy. Kannapolis can consider itself an exception, thanks to the N.C. Research Campus. But the report underscores the need for the changes taking place here to ripple out through the region and state.
The report, the State New Economy Index, ranks North Carolina 26th among the 50 states for its evolution from a manufacturing economy to one based on knowledge-based jobs and entrepreneurship.
That puts us behind some other Southern states, including Virginia and Georgia. The states doing the best in this regard, the report says, are Massachusetts, New Jersey and Maryland.
It’s important to note that the report goes beyond calling for new enterprises; it also prizes an atmosphere where existing firms can become more productive and innovative. Local government should award incentives accordingly.