North Dakota
North Dakota landed on the CTA’s list thanks to its right-to-work legislation, among other qualifications. Though CTA does note that the state lacks any laws protecting employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The state also offers employers strong business-friendly tax policies and employees exceptionally strong job and small business growth. The 27,680-person technology workforce also enjoys legalized ride-sharing services and positive municipal rules for home sharing. Unlike other states on the list, North Dakota lacks strong venture capital and R&D investment with no venture capital investment per resident and only $340 per resident in R&D. However, the state also lacks exceptionally onerous electronics recycling policies, which CTA ranks as a positive. In terms of encouraging technological innovation, the state only has a study of self-driving cars underway and no laws restricting drone technology.
