Technology

Team Leaders:

Dick Kip - AeA Florida Council, rkip@earthlink.net; http:://www.aeanet.org
 

Team Members:

Jo Moskowitz, Citrix Systems; Dr. William Hafner, Nova Southeastern University; Michael Corbit, Internet Coast; Dick Kip, AeA; Elizabeth Bates, SecNap; Jeanie Reesor, Consultrex.
 

Mission:
Our mission is to educate Members of the Florida State Legislature on issues of importance to the high-tech industry, and demonstrate the critical role that the high tech industry plays in the health and diversification of Florida's economy.
 

Based on Cyberstates 2007, a report issued by AeA, the American Electronics Association, Florida had the 4th largest high-tech workforce in the country, and ranked 3rd in technology exports. Florida's high tech industry pays an average wage 70% higher than the state's average private sector wage. With over 21,000 companies, more than 276,000 employees and a $16.9 billion annual payroll, the high technology industry is a major part of Florida's economy.

 
The high tech industry is spread across Florida and is growing. However, complacency and inattention to the concerns of the industry on the part of the legislature could certainly lead to a reversal of this trend. There are many problems facing the industry in Florida as it struggles to grow.


Issues: 

• First and foremost is a lack of qualified employees with 21st century skill sets, which is impeding companies' growth plans. We call on the Legislature and all interested parties to take an active role in promoting the industry in Florida by supporting education reform and implementing 21st century classrooms into Florida's schools.
• Second, access to capital is of grave concern. Florida ranks 40th among all states in venture capital funding. We applaud passage of the SURE Venture Capital Act/Institute for Commercialization of Public Research as a first step in recognizing the need to support emerging technology companies. More support is needed in venture funding for Florida's technology companies.
• And third, government investment in R&D continues to decline. Florida's Centers of Excellence program is a good step forward, but the level of R&D funding is small compared to other states and other parts of the world.

 

Action:
In recent years, we can site many instances of companies having to choose to grow outside the state of Florida as a result of one or more of these issues. We call on the Legislature and Governor Crist to focus positive and pro-active attention to the needs of the high technology industry and implement needed measures to retain and grow this vital industry in Florida.

Date Submitted: 02/16/10