Target Industry Development

High Tech

Adopted by the Portland Development Commission as a key component of its economic development strategy, the high tech industry encompasses computer and computer-related industries. It includes makers of semiconductors, electronic and computer equipment, software, communications products, and information and design services.

• High Tech Fact Sheet

High tech jobs and the local economy

• Nearly 40,000 people employed at 270 companies throughout the state in 2000
• Sector employs 1/3 of Oregon’s high-tech workers
• 90% of state’s tech employment is in Portland region
• Intel Oregon is company’s largest site worldwide (15,000 employees)
• High-tech sector in the Portland metro region employed 66,000 with average annual wage of $78,466 in 2000

Helping the industry thrive

PDC focuses on retention, expansion and recruitment efforts in the high tech industries, a key component in the overall economic health of the region.

Significant Initiatives

• Business Retention, Expansion, and Recruitment
  PDC is actively involved with local companies to respond to needs and concerns, and to offer financial, regulatory, technical, and site selection assistance programs.
  PDC, in partnership with its regional partners, is developing strategies for the proactive targeting of specific companies. Areas of focus include silicon (semiconductors and photovoltaics), micro/nano technologies, and cybersecurity.
• Technology Transfer
  PDC, in partnership with Oregon University System, Regional Investment Board and NorthwestTech Ventures, has sponsored a series on the commercialization/tech transfer process. Intended to educate local industry and entrepreneurs, the series includes segments on intellectual property protection, deal structuring, spin outs and startups, and capital sources.
• Business Incubator
  PDC, in partnership with PSU, OHSU, Providence and others, is assessing the feasibility of developing business incubators in the Portland area. These would build on local strengths in biosciences and certain high tech niche areas. The feasibility assessment will include an analysis of market demand, industry strengths and needs, recommendations of operating and management structure, development of partnerships and stakeholder roles, and an analysis of financial feasibility.

Partners and Associations

American Electronics Association (AEA)
Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI)
Software Association of Oregon
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network
Oregon RAINS (Regional Alliance for Infrastructure and Network Security)

Learn about the advantages of doing business in Portland by viewing this presentation on the high tech story in our metro area.

Publications

PDC Business Team Contact

Jennifer Nolfi, 503-823-0271 or email

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