Nebraska: Middle-of-the Road In Technology and Science

Earlier this month, the State of Nebraska released its final study report assessing the state's position in the science and technology sector.

Overall, Nebraska is middle-of-the-road when compared to states nationally and immediate surrounding states. It received its best score for tech and science workforce and mid-range scores for R&D, entrepreneurial infrastructure, tech sector dynamism, human resource investment, according to the Milken Institute, which conducted the assessment.

The assessment uses Milken's established system of indices and measures, which incorporates data and frameworks devised by many academic researchers, consulting firms and think tank-type organizations.

The more important question is what actions should Nebraska take to: 1) strengthen its science and technology base; and 2) how does it generate more economic growth in the future using these assets? Here are a couple starting thoughts in this regard:

1. Nebraska should identify selective areas of investment in the sciences and technology fields. No state can be good at everything or even several things. The question is which areas are most promising for Nebraska. Agriculture-related technologies make a great deal of sense, but so do many other areas that are consistent with the University of Nebraska's strengths. The life sciences, including agriculture boitech, also makes sense.

2. Nebraska should look at a technology application strategy that meets the needs of its urban and rural centers. What may work and be good for Omaha and Lincoln may not work for the more sparsely populated areas of the state. Its urban centers are more likely to benefit from the state's science and technology strategy, but its rural areas can seize some benefit if they are proactive about it.

Omaha has seven billionaires. That alone is major competitive advantage in providing business and philanthropic investment capital for tech-based economic development. See what Warren Buffet has to say about this one. Can you imagine the impact these investments could have if they were coordinated in the right areas.

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