Indiana University School of Informatics

Investing in Indiana

In the past, Indiana successfully relied upon a manufacturing-based economy. Its labor force is increasingly concentrated in the two occupational categories that have ranked last in growth nationwide: machine operators, and precision craft and repair occupations.

But a changing world has dictated a shift toward an economy based upon information technology. Indeed, the three fastest growing occupations today are in computer-related fields. Increasingly, new businesses are being developed and recruited to specific locations. And employers, who are spending an estimated $60 billion annually on education, training and upgrading skills of their employees, are looking to fill traditional jobs with people who understand the possibilities new technologies promise. But while there is an incredible demand for specialized computing knowledge, employers are looking for people with good communication and problem-solving abilities--the type of skills that come with a background in the arts, humanities and sciences.

Obviously, the primary resource required for Indiana to grow into a technology-based economy is having a large and available supply of people educated in new technologies. IU's informatics graduates will play a key role in developing Indiana's economic growth.

Despite the slowdown in the economy, the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) estimates that 425,000 IT-related positions will go unfilled this year because of a lack of qualified applicants. Moreover, during the next five years, there will be more than 3.2 million such vacancies to be filled. And, the ITAA predicts that the Midwest will be the hottest region for high-tech job growth.

The university hopes to expand the Bloomington and Indianapolis informatics programs to all of IU's campuses in order to meet the growing demand in this area of the work force. Plans are now underway at IU South Bend to implement the first regional program in informatics.

E-mail: informat@indiana.edu

http://informatics.indiana.edu/

http://www.informatics.iupui.edu/