Mixed Grades for Tech Development in Virginia and Maryland

Virginia and Maryland lead the nation when it comes to technology development and growth, but officials in both states say there is plenty of room for improvement.

Both states, according to new research from Johns Hopkins Institute of Public Policy, get high marks when it comes to federal funding, job growth and venture capital.

Unfortunately, the two states fall behind when it comes to turning university research into business and using state funds to support young technology companies.

Here are some of the major findings:

* Federal agencies invested $4.9 billion in Maryland (it ranked No. 1) and $2.2 billion in Virginia (No. 12) for research and development projects.

* Tech firms employ 11.7 percent of all workers in Virginia (No. 3) and 10.1 percent in Maryland (No. 10).

* The mid-Atlantic is home to more venture capital firms than any region except Silicon Valley.

* University researchers registered 140 new patents in Maryland and 112 in Virginia.

* With 13 each, Virginia and Maryland tied at No. 32 in the nation in the number of companies that spin out of public universities.

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