Best Prepared States for a Digital Economy: Here’s How Georgia Ranks

Staff Report

Friday, July 17th, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing working routines all across the US, if not the world, all while accelerating digital economies. But how easy is it to adapt to these changes? In our most recent study we wanted to assess each state’s ability to cope with the demands of a ballooning digital world. After analyzing numbers across 10 metrics, we determined that Georgia ranks as the 19th most digitally prepared state to take an economy online.

Here are more highlights on Georgia:

  • The state ranks 8th nationwide for its robust tech base with its net tech employment at about 370k. Georgia was one of the country’s leaders (ranked 9th) in terms of total numbers of tech jobs added in the past ten years, with a net tech employment gain of 74,492. Tech is a major contributor to Georgia’s GDP, with $53.2B, a figure that places the state 11th in the country for tech economic impact.

  • As for its digital infrastructure, Georgia boasts a decent internet speed and about 91% broadband coverage, the state coming in at number 21 for overall internet connectivity.

  • While the major tech hubs are thriving, the digital divide becomes obvious when looking at statewide figures. Close to 79% of Georgia households have an internet subscription and 88% own a computer, making the Peach State 31st in the country for personal tech availability.

  •  “The Silicon Valley of the South” comes in as the 8th most technologically well-prepared metro area in the country.

  • Overall, the states that are well positioned to lead in terms of digital preparedness may be more able to adapt and experience post-pandemic economic recovery.

You can find the full study and methodology, as well as what experts are saying about the evolution of the digital economy resulting from COVID-19, here: https://www.storagecafe.com/blog/best-prepared-us-states-for-digital-economy/