Our economy is growing more rapidly in services and in what is loosely termed “high technology” industries than in traditional manufacturing, assembly line types of industry. What does this mean for economic development in rural Oklahoma? First, just because service and high-technology industries are growing more rapidly than traditional manufacturing, new and relocating traditional manufacturing plants are being built. Thus, rural areas should not overlook traditional manufacturers that may be looking for locations with conditions similar to what they have to offer.
The rapid growth of service and high-technology industries does have some implications for economic development in Oklahoma. Perhaps the most important implication deals with the potential work force. Service and high-technology industries demand skilled and/or trainable productive labor. With Oklahoman’s quality work-ethic and an outstanding vocational technical education system, rural areas are in a good position, given favorable critical factor readings, to attract service and other industries.