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The Potomac KnowledgeWay understands what it takes to
foster growth and innovation in the Information and Communications
(InfoComm) sector, and has produced a wide range of programs that
increase regional competitiveness and growth. The following facts
illustrate the strengths and potential of the Greater Washington Region.
- The Greater Washington Region is more than our nation's
capital it has become one of the most exciting technology
markets in the world. It is the birthplace of the Internet
and home to the entire spectrum of complementary
InfoComm companies.
- The InfoComm sector has evolved because the Greater
Washington Region has an unparalleled collection of
resources and an exceptional quality of life.
- InfoComm is the key driver behind regional growth and is
producing more new high-paying jobs than ever before.
- The region has become fertile ground for a large, growing
entrepreneurial community because it has the right
ingredients to make entrepreneurs successful.
- The region's vast array of research and development sources
provides fertile ground for new technology and products.
- The region is the national and global
hub of the Internet and communications industry.
- Nearly 50% of all the Internet backbone is supplied by
regional companies.
- Almost 50% of online service subscribers are serviced by
local companies.
- The region ranks #2 in highest number of computers
connected to the Internet.
- Six of ten major personal communications satellite systems
are headquartered in the region.
- The region's content industry employs 33,000 people, and
has $13 billion in sales.
- Nearly 30% of the nation's Systems Integration sales are
attributed to the region.
- Since 1968, private sector growth has been responsible for
95% of new jobs.
- Regional InfoComm jobs now outnumber Federal Government
jobs (345,000 vs. 333,000).
- Regional InfoComm companies employ 1 out of 7 workers and
generate $90 billion in sales.
- InfoComm average salaries are almost 50% higher than
average earnings for all private sector jobs in the region.
- For every InfoComm job created in the region, more than one
new non-InfoComm job is created. This "multiplier" effect
is greater than multipliers in any other industry sector.
- Entrepreneurs are one of the key economic drivers of the
region's New Economy. The Internet has become a major
force behind the local entrepreneurial community with more
than 3,000 net-based entrepreneurs located in the GWR.
- The region has consistently had more fast-growing companies
ranked in the INC. 500 list any other metro area.
- The region is home to 44 colleges and universities, and the
source of major federally funded research.
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