Articles

Agriculture, Technology and Bio-Tech for Idaho

Jana M. Kemp

At a recent Legislative Forum, technology was touted as viable business for Idaho’s economy. Which of course we’ve seen over the last two decades with the growth and spin-offs of technology companies here in the Treasure Valley.

For the last two years, bio-technology business has been being pursued for growth in Idaho too. What appears to be on the 2007 horizon is a bit of a turf battle for economic development. And this battle is unnecessary. Here’s why. First, Idaho’s economy has been in need of diversification for its entire existence. Witness our history: Gold rush; timber, minerals and agriculture; agriculture and technology; tourism, agriculture and technology. Second, there is room in Idaho for the brainpower that drives agricultural advances, technology patents and production, and bio-tech research and results. Third, without the jobs of the past and the future working in tandem within Idaho’s economy, we won’t have jobs into the future.

The primary challenge to each of these three industries appears to be the same “where are the people that we can hire to get the jobs done?” Agriculture communities have bemoaned the loss of workers and of land for as long as I can remember (with my memory of such things starting in the 1970’s). And now technology-based companies wanting to grow in Idaho are sharing that they too are having difficulty finding people with the right education and skills to fill their jobs. So, tech-based companies are searching the country and the globe to find people to fill the brain-driven jobs that will allow their businesses to grow.

Idaho’s Science and Technology Advisory Committee has spent several years researching what is needed for technology-driven businesses to succeed in Idaho. Their recommendations have been reported on for several months now. As a recap, here are some of their recommendations. Funds for technology growth and development should be provided by the state. Improve the funding of Idaho’s Tech Connect program and Idaho’s SBIR program. And a statewide community college system is needed to provide the training that supports technology sector growth.

Bob Lokken of Microsoft Boise shared during his Forum panel remarks that “Education is to technology as water is to agriculture.” Another panel member, Furby and Pleo toy inventor Caleb Chung said, “Think of the I in Idaho as innovation.” And this is what we most need in Idaho, innovation that encompasses education, agriculture and technology businesses. We are all in this great state because of its incredible beauty and wonder. Let’s capitalize on our common ground and manage Idaho’s growth into the future.

Action Item: Work with your Chamber or proceed on your own to communicate to legislators what your business needs to be successful in Idaho.
__
Reprint Permission: The author is willing to grant reprint permissions. Please contact Jana Kemp: jana@janakemp.com or call 208-367-1701.