A firm might be involved in semiconductors, consumer electronics, software design, defense electronics or computer equipment, but it still needs access to critical industry-growing ingredients like quality talent, proximity to superb educational infrastructure, ample and reliable power supply sources, and access to various forms of financing.

On a more subjective front, quality-of-life issues frequently surface in the face of expansion and relocation projects, typically with regard to employee attraction and retention efforts. It’s not by chance that the nation’s top high-tech locations happen to be nestled in cities and regions that are known for crème de la crème lifestyles.

While the industry’s growth has slowed considerably since the dot-com boom — and subsequent bust — there is still life out there. However, no one can argue that the industry has not seen its share of high-tech corporate casualties during the past several years.

“We have not yet finished our review for 2002, but our most recent data show that each of the top states and cities have seen a decline in their high-tech employment base,” said Michaela Platzer, vice president of research/policy analysis for the American Electronics Association.

But even in light of bleak economic news, the high-tech industry still thrives, fueled by consumer demand and top-notch tech advancements in everything from personal laptops and medical devices, to advanced electronics and telecommunications systems.

Those forces alone pave the way for the industry to continue trekking forward. The industry is moving ahead as evidenced by a steady stream of projects during the past several months.

Quanta Computer Inc., for example, garnered much attention for its decision in May to invest $7 million to begin operations in Middle Tennessee.

The company manufactures, tests and distributes file servers from its Lavergne Interchange Business Park site in Greater Nashville.

The facility serves as the Taipei, Taiwan,-based company’s U.S. manufacturing and distribution headquarters. Quanta is beginning its Nashville operations with about 50 people and plans to increase that number to nearly 500 by the end of its third year of business.

Quanta stakes claim to 24 percent of the world market for notebook computers, and also produces servers, LCD panels, LCD TVs and monitors, optical storage devices and network products.

While the high-tech industry has enjoyed much success in several established locations, new cities and regions have emerged as tech hot spots.

Platzer said that industry trends are revealing new location favorites, often pushed to the limelight by innovative state initiatives designed to cater to high-tech companies.

“I think there are several hot spots,” he said. “For instance, states like Georgia, Virginia, Utah and Arizona continue to attract technology companies. In the case of Virginia, tech companies are able to easily access an educated work force.”

Earlier this year, Peoria, Ill.,-based Advanced Information Services (AIS) selected Alexandria, in Northern Virginia, as the headquarters for its Federal Services Group. The information technology (IT) firm’s $1.5 million investment will result in 30 new jobs, including positions in software engineering and program management.

In April, Unisys Corp., an IT services and solutions firm, began consolidating Unisys Global Public Sector’s division headquarters in Fairfax County, Va.

The project will accommodate up to 900 new jobs, including about 150 employees who will relocate from the company’s operation in Washington D.C.

“Combining our operations in Northern Virginia will afford us more opportunities to provide our employees with a high-quality working environment and allow us to draw upon a skilled work force as our business expands,” said Greg Baroni, president of Unisys Global Public Sector.

Nanotechnology Niche Growing

Another interesting component to the computer and electronics industry involves nanotechnology, or innovations in small technology.

While advancements in nanotechnology, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and microsystems are indeed often tiny in scale, they are grand in long-term significance. The “nanofuture,” as some call it, holds great promise of many remarkable things to come from a variety of microscopic devices to tiny fuel cells and 3-D switches.

While the industry segment may be small, it is gaining an impressive foothold in several locations around the nation.

“I would say California and Massachusetts are strong,” said Candace Stuart, features editor for Small Times Media, the leading source of business news and information about the emerging small-tech industry.

California, Massachusetts, Texas and New York seem to be the most aggressive in business initiatives designed to target small-tech firms.

Other locations historically known for more traditional industries, like heavy manufacturing, are also emerging as surprise hot spots.

“In terms of small tech, I’d say New Mexico is a surprise to some people,” Stuart said. “Others probably consider places like Michigan and Ohio a surprise because historically they are identified with ‘old economy’ industries like automobiles and manufacturing.”

Clearly, the computer and electronics industry remains an evolving one, and it is one that will always be dependent upon brilliant minds.

“I would say the most important criteria for an expansion or relocation decision remains access to a qualified and well-educated work force,” Platzer said. “The high-tech industry needs a pool of technically trained talent to grow and thrive.”

Rachael Hedgcoth is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan.