Following decades of stagnation, Rhode Island is starting to build an economy based on entrepreneurship, innovation and new technologies, according to [the 2007 State New Economy Index,] a study by...the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).

Immigrants to Rhode Island were found to be more educated than those moving to all but two other states. Only five other states have more managerial, professional and technical jobs as a percentage of total employment, the study said.

In discussing the results, Robert D. Atkinson, president of the research foundation, urged state officials to continue investing in public universities and supporting innovative companies..."Our advantage in the United States is all about innovation.”