Growing New Mexico’s Technology Economy
“Why New Mexico?”
The Milken Institute 2009 State Tech and Science Index has New Mexico -
#10 in the nation in depth and breadth of science and technologies assets
#2 in nanotechnology venture capital investment (2004-2007)
#5 in total venture capital investment growth (2006-2007)
#9 in the number of high-tech industries in terms of employment growing faster than U.S. average (2003-2007)
According to the National Science Foundation Science and Engineering Indicators:
Federal R&D accounts for 85% of all R&D in NM
NM is home to two of the largest Federally Funded R&D Center in terms of R&D Performance (LANL and SNL)
The state of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque are among the nation’s top places to do business according to the “2010 Business Facilities Magazine Ranking Report” issued by the influential site selection magazine Business Facilities. New Mexico’s alternative energy sector was highly regarded, garnering three Top 10 rankings, including #2 in Solar Energy Manufacturing, #5 in Alternative Energy, and a #2 finish for Albuquerque in the Alternative Energy Industry category.
Tech Development
Tech development in New Mexico is a unique confluence of National Laboratories, Federal research entities, academic infrastructure and private sector developers, flowing together to create a strong current of innovation. The state’s exciting potential is anchored in its monumental past. From Robert Goddard’s rocket experiments of the 1930’s, to the development of the Manhattan Project and the establishment of Los Alamos National Laboratories, White Sands Missile Range and the explosion of the first atomic weapon, to the creation of Sandia National Laboratories, the rise of information technologies and the arrival of Intel, through to the establishment of Spaceport America, New Mexico is central to the history, and future, of technology.
New Mexico’s prime tech strengths can be divided into five areas, or “clusters.”
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Aerospace and Aviation
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Bio-Technologies and Healthcare
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Energy, Environment and Water
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Information Technology and Software
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Nano-Technologies and Microelectronic
These five key industry “clusters” have been individually recognized, but their innovations often spring from the same origins, thanks to the scientific infrastructure resulting from a strong federal presence and a collection of research institutions. These entities, whether on their own or partnering with private interests, are at the heart of every cluster:
Sandia National Laboratory (SNL)
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
Kirtland Air Force Base Research Laboratory
The University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
According to the National Science Foundation Science and Engineering Indicators:
Federal R&D accounts for 85% of all R&D in NM
NM is home to two of the largest Federally Funded R&D Center in terms of R&D Performance (LANL and SNL)
The State of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque are among the nation’s top places to do business according to the “2010 Business Facilities Magazine Ranking Report” issued by the influential site selection magazine Business Facilities. New Mexico’s alternative energy sector was highly regarded, garnering three Top 10 rankings, including No. 2 in Solar Energy Manufacturing, No. 5 in Alternative Energy, and a No. 2 ranking finish for Albuquerque in the Alternative Energy Industry category. Citing these successes, the report stated, “New Mexico has convinced us that it is an up-and-coming contender in alternative energy.” New Mexico was also singled out for it’s business friendly atmosphere, ranking No. 3 nationally among Workforce Training Leaders and No. 6 in Cost of Labor .
New Mexico Science and Technology Plan
The New Mexico Science and Technology Plan outlines the state’s technology resources, advantages and opportunities.