California has the fifth largest economy in the world and is viewed by many other states and nations as the benchmark against which to measure competitiveness in the knowledge-driven economy.

California is the home of Silicon Valley, birthplace of the biotechnology industry, and headwaters for new technologies, industries, and markets. Its unique position is the result of an unmatched capacity to transform new scientific knowledge and highly skilled people into business opportunities and economic growth. The state has built a strong foundation: research universities, investment capital, and experienced entrepreneurs.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, AEA, Ernst & Young, CHI, Burrill & Co., UC IUCRP Research Unit