Washington

Washington state demonstrates how tech-ecosystem concentration creates self-reinforcing advantages. The state ranks third nationally for economic performance and first on the West Coast, with GDP per capita reaching $107,564—among America's highest. This wealth concentration stems directly from Microsoft and Amazon, whose presence has cultivated the nation's largest concentration of STEM workers and attracted the "seventh-highest percentage of firms on the Technology Fast 500."

The AI transformation amplifies existing strengths. More than 30% of King County's working population uses AI tools, rising to 35% in Snohomish County—reflecting Microsoft's Copilot integration across enterprise software. Since ChatGPT launched in November 2022, tech companies have poured hundreds of billions into chips, data centers, and talent, with spending accelerating through record 2025 investments. Washington's concentration of highly educated immigrants and industry R&D per capita positions it to capture disproportionate gains from each wave of technological advancement.

This creates classic network effects: STEM workers cluster where STEM jobs exist, which attracts more employers, which draws more workers. The state ranked fifth nationally for innovation, assessed on STEM professional share, projected job growth, and student achievement. Seattle remains a top destination for college graduates seeking tech careers, perpetuating the cycle. Yet the concentration carries risk—companies are restructuring for flatter hierarchies and fewer mid-level positions, and any tech downturn would propagate rapidly through an economy built around two dominant employers.