Squandering the Future? A Utah-Colorado Comparison of Industry Development Path Dependency

Authors

Michael Murff, Brigham Young University
Dr. John Griffin, Brigham Young University

Keywords

industry development, path dependency, information technology

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Political Science

Abstract

Escalating in the 1970s, the Intermountain West experienced a dramatic economic shift from mining and agriculture toward information technology (IT). Both Utah and Colorado took steps to attract computer and software firms in an effort to diversify and develop IT industries. At first glance Utah appears especially well prepared for technological innovation and a progressive IT market. Strong university computer science departments, two solid law schools, and a respectable business school provide ample intellectual capital for a robust Wasatch Front IT environment. But a closer look reveals that Utah firms lag behind their regional counterparts in overall growth rates, initial public offerings, patenting, and venture capital. (Griffin et al, 1999). Determining the causative factors and for such disturbing variance will serve to help Utah firms and entrepreneurs better understand effectual governance mechanisms and strategies.

Recommended Citation

Murff, Michael and Griffin, Dr. John (2014) "Squandering the Future? A Utah-Colorado Comparison of Industry Development Path Dependency," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 275.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/275