MS is the least innovative state in the US, new study finds. Here’s why
The United States is a force of innovation, ranking third out of 139 nations on the Global Innovation Index, but some states have a larger role in maintaining the country’s leadership.
According to a March 18 study by personal finance platform WalletHub, Mississippi ranks last when it comes to innovation contributors in the U.S.
What factors contribute to the Magnolia State’s low ranking? Here’s what to know about innovation in Mississippi.
Why is MS in last place?
Mississippi’s state innovation index is 22.97, about 67% lower than Washington, D.C., according to WalletHub’s analysis. It ranks 51st in human capital and 48th in innovation environment, the study found.
The state also has the lowest share of STEM professionals and the second-lowest projected STEM-job demand by 2030, according to WalletHub.
Another main factor, according to the analysis, is that the state ranks last in venture capital funding per capita, which makes it hard for new tech ventures to begin or last long.
Which are the least innovative states?
These are the 10 least innovative states, according to the WalletHub analysis:
1. Mississippi
2. Louisiana
3. West Virginia
4. North Dakota
5. Iowa
6. Arkansas
7. Kansas
8. Kentucky
9. Oklahoma
10. Alaska
Which are the most innovative states?
These are the top 10 most innovative states, which includes Washington D.C., a federal district, according to the WalletHub analysis:
1. Washington, D.C.
2. Massachusetts
3. California
4. Colorado
5. Washington
6. Maryland
7. Virginia
8. Delaware
9. Utah
10. New Jersey
How did personal finance platform measure innovation in each state?
WalletHub ranked all 50 states and Washington, D.C. based on 25 key indicators of innovation friendliness, analysts said. A weighted average was determined across all metrics to find the “state innovation index” by which states were ranked.
