Spending on information technology is expected to grow at three times the rate of gross national profit in 52 countries, and create some 5.8 million new jobs between now and 2013, according to a global study released earlier this month by the International Data Corporation.
In the U.S., spending on IT will reach $488 billion in 2009 and will increase at almost five times the rate of GDP, the study found.
So what does it mean for Washington?
It could possibly give us an advantage over other states as the nation struggles to emerge from the recession, AWB President Don Brunell writes in his weekly column.
"While most people know that The Boeing Company is a key player in our state's economy, IT is a major force as well," Brunell write. "The Washington Technology Industry Association represents more than 1,000 member companies with more than 100,000 employees in the state -- most of them in the IT sector."
But we must maintain our advantage, Brunell writes.
That means making sure Washington's regulatory and tax policies support its existing IT sector and encourages growth.
