The first portion of the survey examines technology use among Tennessee residents according to various key factors such as geographic region, age, education and income.
"These survey results verify that the governor's focus on rural economic development is strategically sound," says Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber. "Technology is a critical component to business growth and expansion. We must work to level the technology playing field in our rural communities in order for them to more effectively compete in today's marketplace."
The second portion of the survey assesses the use of technology among Tennessee businesses. When examining key factors such as broadband adoption, presence of a Web site, and the Internet's impact on business success, the survey shows a correlation between the presence of a broadband connection and higher company revenue. On average, businesses using computers, high-speed Internet, and selling goods or services online, have higher revenues than businesses not utilizing those technologies.
The complete findings of Tennessee's Technology Trends 2007 can be downloaded from Connected Tennessee's Web site.
The data gathered from Tennessee's Technology Trends 2007 will help Connected Tennessee localize efforts to improve technology availability and adoption among Tennessee residents and businesses. Connected Tennessee's mission is to close the digital divide in Tennessee by creating and growing a collaborative network among telecommunications and information technology providers, public agencies, business and community leaders, researchers and universities in an effort to meet the five comprehensive goals of Governor Bredeson's Trail to Innovation:
- Affordable broadband technology for all Tennessee
- Dramatically improved use of computers and the Internet by all Tennesseans
- The formation of eCommunity Leadership Teams in every county -- local leaders who assemble to develop and implement technology growth strategies for local government, business and industry, education, healthcare, agriculture, libraries, tourism and community-based organizations
- A policy and regulatory framework that encourages continued investment in communications and information technologies year after year
- A meaningful online presence for all Tennessee communities, to improve citizen services and promote economic development through e-government, virtual education and online healthcare.