Johnson, Hayden Allen; Harris, Laurie (Southern Utah University)
Faculty Advisor: Harris, Laurie (Southern Utah University, College of Science and Engineering)
Rural communities in Utah may be an excellent place for technology companies to expand. Many rural Utah communities face major problems with declining economies. Adding to the problem, median incomes in nine rural counties is $48,306 while the statewide median income is $62,961 (US Census Bureau, 2017). Rural areas seem to be an untapped well of potential to help both the state’s economy and tech companies themselves. This research explores how to effectively use that potential.
The object of this research is to identify needs and limitations that currently exist in rural communities that would prevent or could be seen as obstacles for technology industry to grow in these areas. Ongoing research being conducted is looking into the viability of technology companies being able to expand and/or start up in rural Utah by exploring if those areas are ready for the technology industry. Specifically, the research examines:
1. Current educational opportunities related to technology in rural area school systems.
2. Interest among potential workforce in technological fields.
3. Presence of skilled workforce in these rural areas.
4. Potential to form partnerships between higher education and high schools to offer better education and generate interest.
5. Infrastructure of rural areas to support growing technology industry.
Additionally, obstacles that are preventing these areas from being able to support technology industry are found and examined. This research constitutes the first step in helping bolster rural economies through an increase of jobs and industry into those areas. By conducting extensive research and getting in on the “front-lines” of the problem, current situations are more understood and potential suggestions are being developed.