Author Date

2023-03-15

Degree Name

Department

Accountancy

College

Marriott School of Management

Defense Date

2023-03-06

Publication Date

2023-03-15

First Faculty Advisor

Matthew Jennejohn

First Faculty Reader

William Clayton

Honors Coordinator

Mark Zimbelman

Keywords

technology, venture capital, diversity, Utah, Silicon Slopes

Abstract

From Utah’s humble beginnings in agriculture and mining, Utah has become an economic powerhouse in the United States, largely due to the rise of Silicon Slopes. Despite the successes of Silicon Slopes, there are still significant shortcomings related to diversity and inclusion in Silicon Slopes that must be remediated if it intends to achieve its economic aspirations and ensure its economic benefits flow to people of all types and backgrounds. This work outlines both the rise of Silicon Slopes as well as existing and potential private- and state-ordered solutions that may be implemented to overcome Silicon Slopes’ existing diversity and inclusion shortcomings.