Quality of Life Indicators
technology infrastructure & engagement data
wireless access
Innovation Index
technology engagement
wireless access
Intel conducts the most unwired cities survey, most recently in 2005. Survey findings are based on the number of commercial and public or “free” wireless Internet access points (hotspots), airports with wireless Internet access, and broadband availability. The survey also included community wireless Internet access points, local wireless networks and wireless e-mail devices. The metro areas included in the survey were the 100 largest MSAs in the United States. Although the Reno-Sparks MSA wasn’t large enough for the study, Las Vegas ranked 42nd in 2005 for wireless Internet accessibility.
Innovation Index
The Mississippi Technology Alliance compiles an Innovation Index, linking innovation and technology with the many activities that government, academia, and the private sector provide to support innovation and economic development. The index is based on the following factors:
• Wealth creation
• Tech business development
• Statewide research capacity
• Industrial productivity
• University R&D
• Tech workforce development
• Business R&D
• Investment capital
In terms of R&D investment, Nevada ranked 41st in the nation in 2004 with $417 million in private industry R&D and $164 million in university & college R&D. [Source: The National Science Foundation/Division of Science Resources Statistics, Survey of Industrial R&D, Survey of R&D Expenditures at Universities and Colleges, and Survey of Federal Funds for R&D. Tables for FY2004 R&D Expenditures were provided by Brandon Shackelford, Science Resources Analyst, National Science Foundation.]
technology engagement
Technology offers tools that allow us to communicate and do our jobs more effectively, in addition to enhancing life at home.
In TMT’s December 2007 community survey of Washoe County residents, 74.2% responded being satisfied about having the technology they need in their life right now vs. 7.2% reporting being unsatisfied. When asked to rate their skills and knowledge in being able to use this technology, 55.8% reported being satisfied vs. 12.4% unsatisfied.
