Technology State of the Union: Report by Knoxville Technology Council

July 10, 2026 - 05:49

How attractive is East Tennessee to a skilled tech professional looking for a new job? And how effectively is the region using modern technology to boost its own economy? A new report from the Knoxville Technology Council suggests the answers are not as strong as they could be.

The report, called the Technology State of the Union, takes a hard look at the local tech landscape. It argues that while the area has clear strengths, there is significant room for improvement. The study points to a gap between the region's potential and its current performance in attracting and keeping qualified tech workers. It also questions how well local businesses and government agencies are adopting new tools to drive economic growth.

The findings are based on a mix of data and local input. The council hopes the report will serve as a wake-up call for community leaders and companies. The message is clear: East Tennessee needs to do more to build a stronger tech ecosystem if it wants to compete with other growing markets. Without changes, the region risks falling behind in the race for top talent and innovation.