Connecticut scores well in some areas of innovation, but still has a lot of work to do based on a new report that ranks it the 12th worst state in the country for its overall ability to innovate.
Connecticut scored a 2.109 out of 4 on the Consumer Technology Association’s latest annual scorecard. Utah had the highest (3.292) and West Virginia had the lowest (1.063) scores.
The state’s tax friendliness received a “C-” because it lacks a simple, lean tax structure that offers attractive rates to new businesses and encourages job creation and investment.
However, the state scored well (B+) for its ability to attract new investment.
Connecticut was one of three states nationwide to see its average Internet connection speeds (measured in average kbps) decline. Its speed of 13,059 kilobits per second was a decline of 622 from 2014.
Connecticut is considered an innovation adopter for its strong pro-innovation policies and trends in some categories, but not most, according to the report. Connecticut gets an “F” because it is one of 26 states without a right-to-work law.
The state received a “B” grade in the welcomes new business models category. CTA specifically cited its legalization of ridesharing programs like Uber, as well as its actions in support of homesharing companies like Airbnb.
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