Show-Me State Times

Over the next five years, Missouri is projected to become one of the top ten states for tech manufacturing job growth, according to a new report titled “Technology2030” from the Missouri Chamber Foundation. This report, written in collaboration with Economic Leadership, emphasizes the state's current standing in the tech sector. It is the fourth installment of the "Technology2030" series, part of the Missouri Chamber Foundation’s Missouri 2030 strategic plan aimed at positioning Missouri as a global economic leader.

Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, commented on the findings: “The findings of this report show that Missouri remains an emerging hub for the tech sector. There is a lot of momentum right now, particularly in tech manufacturing. Additionally, emerging tech areas like AgTech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and FinTech have all seen job postings increase in recent months. We need to make sure Missouri has a sufficient workforce pipeline to support these opportunities.”

Economic Leadership researchers compared Missouri's tech industry performance with other states, using data primarily from 2023. The report underscores the importance of the tech industry, which contributes over 5 percent to Missouri’s employment and 10 percent to the state’s gross domestic product. Over the past five years, Missouri's tech industry has created more than 14,000 net new jobs, making it the fourth-highest job-creating industry in the state.

Missouri offers several advantages, including some of the country's lowest business costs, taxes, and housing burdens. As a result, Missouri is the seventh fastest-growing state for tech manufacturing jobs over the last five years and ranks in the top ten for workforce diversity within the tech sector.

Despite the growth, Missouri is not among the country’s fastest-growing tech economies. The report notes challenges in maintaining growth and competing with rising tech states in other regions. To enhance Missouri’s tech competitiveness, the report includes recommendations such as leveraging existing strengths, focusing on talent recruitment, expanding career connections for young people, increasing outreach to underrepresented groups, promoting regional business climate strengths, addressing digital equity, and establishing a public-private partnership for AI advancement.

Access to the full report is provided by the Missouri Chamber Foundation.