The State of North Dakota is one of the  most innovative states in the country according to the Consumer Technology Association's 2017 Innovation Scorecard. North Dakota joins Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Utah, Virginia and Washington in receiving the Scorecard's top designation of "Innovation Champion." These states are the best places in the country to create high-paying jobs and promote innovation-friendly policies.

“From launching the nation’s first operational test site for Unmanned Aircraft Systems to developing cutting-edge precision farming practices, North Dakota is committed to policies that create an environment conducive to innovation and new enterprises that help our state attract and retain talent," said Governor Doug Burgum. "We’re thrilled to be recognized as a state that welcomes entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and create quality jobs for our skilled workforce.”

"States like North Dakota are the leading laboratories of our democracy - and right now we have 50 experiments happening across the country, with each state working to grow their economy and be home to the next big idea," said Gary Shapiro, President & CEO of CTA. "States like North Dakota with leaders like Gov. Burgum are at the forefront of our country's effort to drive growth and encourage homegrown entrepreneurs. State legislatures and Governors across the country should look to our 'innovation champions' as examples of how to support the innovation-friendly policies and best practices outlined in this report that advance job creation, fuel local economies and drive a state's bottom line."

According to the report, job creation is bouncing back across the country, while American entrepreneurship is on the decline.

"While the economy is growing and adding jobs, the decline in entrepreneurship is alarming," cautioned Shapiro. "Now is the time for states to start modernizing their laws to ensure startups have access to capital, minimal red tape and other low barriers to entry. History has proven that young entrepreneurial companies are the driving force of the economy. Each state needs to develop an innovation agenda if they want to be home to the next big technological revolution that will improve lives and create jobs."

The 2017 Innovation Scorecard rankings are based on ten indicators comparing economic and educational data and the regulatory frameworks for workplace flexibility, ridesharing, homesharing, self-driving cars, drones and sustainable policies. To explore the full report and read state-by-state profiles, visit CTA's interactive website at www.cta.tech/scorecard.