Study says Dallas-Fort Worth workers ready for more technology

Technophobes?

Not in Dallas-Fort Worth, according to a new survey released on Oct. 6 by Capital One.

Dallas-Fort Worth residents agree the Metroplex is thriving with innovation, technology opportunities and growing tech skill sets according to the Capital One study.

An overwhelming majority of residents (87 percent) say they have a high quality of life, with over half (56 percent) citing access to quality education and skills training as some of the area’s greatest assets. The findings are the result of the Capital One Future Edge DFW opinion survey, which asked residents to share their views on the future of technological innovation in their community and the evolution of the area’s workforce.

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“These findings show optimism in what’s to come,” said Sanjiv Yajnik, president of Financial Services, Capital One. “We’re in a state of transformation and the future is ours to shape. Through our Future Edge DFW initiative, we’re working with a variety of partners to grow the area’s innovation and technology ecosystem that will fuel our economy and help communities succeed in this rapidly-changing world.”

Portions of the poll were fielded nationally, with respondents asked to answer for the area where they live. The results reveal a tech and workforce snapshot of today and the next 10 years, from the perspective of both Dallas-Fort Worth residents and Americans in general.

Highlights from Capital One’s Future Edge survey:

Local tech opportunities spike higher than national average.

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The technology sector in the Metroplex offers both financial and professional growth opportunities for area residents and their communities:

• More than three quarters (79 percent) of residents agree DFW is a great place for tech-related jobs and innovation.

• Only 20 percent of Americans see the presence of major technology companies as a strength in their local community, whereas that positive position doubles in DFW (40 percent).

DFW residents are positive about the Metroplex’s potential to become a thriving technology and innovation hub.

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Local residents expect the tech sector to continue to grow, providing more jobs that will increase earning potential for area residents:

• At a 10 percent increase over the national figure, 87 percent expect the earning potential for tech jobs in the area will improve five years from now.

• Almost 9 out of 10 residents (88 percent) are confident the area’s workforce will have the skills necessary for tech-related jobs in 10 years.

• Technology is seen as a growth factor in DFW at a much higher rate than other cities. 50 percent of DFW residents believe major technology companies will continue to grow and increase 10 years from now in their area – compared to 39 percent of Americans answering for the area where they live.

• Seventy-eight percent of DFW respondents are likely to recommend someone move to their area for a tech job – compared to 67 percent of Americans answering for the area where they live.

These survey findings are part of the larger Future Edge DFW effort, focused on preparing the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the future.

In addition to the new opinion survey, Capital One has collaborated with an independent, not-for-profit research group, Institute for the Future (IFTF) to explore the trends shaping the future of Dallas-Fort Worth in three areas: technology innovations, financial innovations and expectations, and the workforce of tomorrow. A comprehensive study, combining both the public and IFTF research, will be published in early 2017.

The survey results were released a few weeks prior to the first ever Techweek in Dallas, which will take place Oct. 31—Nov. 6, and is presented by Capital One.

http://techweek.com/dallas/