ABSTRACT
The high-technology manufacturing sector is considered by many to be the most promising catalyst for future development. States are beginning to adopt policies specifically designed to promote the growth of high-technology industries. The problems encountered and the policy environment differ in each state; as a result, over 200 state programs with a focus on high-technology development are in operation, representing the major effort of state science and technology policies. The concept of agricultural extension, with its emphasis on technology transfer and education, has been used to help small businesses gain access to scientific and engineering information. In the states studied, employment in certain high-technology industries has increased, in some cases dramatically. This was true even in Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania, which experienced overall declines in total manufacturing employment. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
