TROY – Employment in the Life Sciences sector grew by 13.2 percent, while employment outside the advanced auto sector was up from 2005 to 2006, a new study by Automation Alley shows.
The Fourth Annual Technology Industry Report: Driving Southeast Michigan Forward, also showed the average wage for workers in the Life Sciences sector grew 4.4 percent to more than $97,000.
The report, prepared by the Anderson Economic Group, provides data regarding Automation Alley�??s rapidly growing presence in the life sciences sector, as well as employment growth outside of the advanced automotive industry.
�??In spite of the fact the entire automotive industry has declined, Southeast Michigan still has one of the highest concentration of technology jobs in America,�?� said Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley. �??Our workforce makes us incredibly unique, and it will lead the region and state out of these difficult times. Talent, I believe, is the next economic development arena over infrastructure �?? and we�??ve got the talent required to take the region into a new economy.�?�
The report asserts that small businesses are continuing to attract large funds for research and development. In 2006, small businesses in Automation Alley received 97 awards to fund research and development activities in Southeast Michigan, totaling approximately $38.8 million and surpassing the previous high from 2005.
Growth also continues for research and development within Automation Alley universities, which have spent billions of dollars allowing their technology-orientated programs to grow and helping to meet the demand for high-skilled science and engineering workers. In 2006 there were a total of 12,194 science and engineering graduate students enrolled in Automation Alley universities, which is 335 more students than the prior year, and 64 percent of the total science and engineering graduate student enrollment in the state.
Data from the study takes into account a variety of factors, including employment, number of private businesses, payroll, demographics, socio-economics and quality of life.
For more information, click on AutomationAlley.Com
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