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Kansas On Bloomberg's List Of Most Innovative States

Roy Montgomery
/
Flickr--CC

Kansas is among the most innovative states in the nation, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The state came in 18th out of 20.

States were ranked on the number of STEM professionals in the state, science and technology degree holders, percentage of utility patents and a three-year analysis of productivity change, among other things. 

STEM professionals in Kansas make up 2.2 percent of the state population, which is just .6 percent less than Washington, which was considered the most innovative state by the same study.

Kansas saw a 4.79 percent increase in productivity, the fourth highest among states on the list. It also has a high percentage of public technology companies, making up almost a quarter of public companies in the state.

After Washington, California and Massachusetts top the list of most innovative states.

Bringing up the rear were New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., considered the 19th and 20th most innovative states, respectively.

A California native, Briana comes to KCUR by way of KMUW in Wichita, Kan. and KUSP in Santa Cruz, Calif.
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