OKLAHOMA CITY — According to a recent study commissioned by the Oklahoma Technology Alliance, our state faces significant opportunities for improvement in the technology sector. The report, OK Competes: Tech Edition, provides a comprehensive analysis of Oklahoma’s technology landscape and the factors influencing current strengths and limitations within the sector. Although the findings identify substantial challenges to Oklahoma’s technological competitiveness, the report also outlines targeted strategies to enhance the state’s position now and sustain it into the future.
“Oklahoma’s innovation efforts needs more coordinated statewide support to thrive. Oklahoma’s affordability and business friendly environment help to make the state competitive, but those headlines only represent part of the story we should be telling.” Said Brittnee Preston, Director of The Oklahoma Technology Alliance. “To be competitive and sustain the next wave of innovation requires strategic investments in entrepreneurship and innovation and a unified statewide vision to boost the technology sector throughout the state. OK Competes: Tech Edition, gives us insight on where we are now and where we need to go to be competitive in the tech sector.”
The report identifies shortcomings and three significant improvements Oklahoma can do now to boost competitiveness:
- Oklahoma loses more than half of its STEM degree completers. The state retains 47.2% of those completing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with 17% leaving for Texas.
- Invest in innovation by expanding research partnerships, commercialization efforts, and access to investment capital.
- Retain and grow talent by aligning education and workforce programs with the needs of Oklahoma’s entire technology-enabled economy.
- Lead in the industries of the future by modernizing energy technology, preparing for AI, and coordinating a statewide vision around high-growth sectors.
OK Competes: Tech Edition also pointed out Oklahoma’s technology economy is not uniformly performing poorly. The report shows stronger growth in software services, environmental technology, and tech occupations.
Together, the findings point to the importance of retaining skilled talent, expanding research and development incentives especially in our top performing sectors like aerospace, defense, drone technology, healthcare, and agriculture technology with high growth potential.
“Oklahoma needs a unified strategy emphasizing specific sectors, R&D investment, and workforce training.” Said Chad Warmington, president and CEO of the State Chamber of Oklahoma. “States like Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri have dedicated sector strategies with incentives, grants, and targeted investments. These states are prioritizing innovation, venture capital, and specialized workforce programs to accelerate growth. The study shows we need to strengthen public-private collaborations and do better at fostering innovation. It’s the key to success in the economy of tomorrow.”
“Oklahoma has a real opportunity to strengthen its position in the technology economy, particularly as AI changes the skills every organization needs to compete.” said Travis Gould, managing director at Accenture Oklahoma. “At Accenture, we’re seeing firsthand that demand for AI capabilities and talent is growing and addressing that need will require continued investment in people, skills and strong connections between business, education and the broader community. This report gives Oklahoma an important roadmap for turning potential into long-term economic growth.”
The Oklahoma Technology Alliance works with business leaders, educators, and policymakers to advance technology-related policies, strengthen workforce development, and support innovation across the state. The State Chamber Research Foundation supports the Alliance through research, policy briefs, and white papers.
The full report is available here.
