Massachusetts tops state economic ranking

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation Wednesday said Massachusetts was the state most prepared to meet the demands of the modern economy.

Massachusetts has stayed at the top spot since 2002 on the State New Economy Index, the firm said. This year it was followed by Washington, which was ranked fourth in 2007.

Maryland, ranked 11th in 1999, moved up to the third spot. Following Maryland in the top 10, in order of ranking, were Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia, California, New York and Colorado.

Mississippi came in last with an index reading of 29.9. In comparison, Massachusetts earned an index reading of 97.

The index, in a report sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, weighs a variety of economic conditions, including innovation, entrepreneurial environment and readiness to take advantage of global markets.