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California is among the most innovative states in the U.S.
The U.S. is often credited as one of the most innovative countries in the world, but that doesn't mean its innovation and technological pursuits are divided equally around the country.
Innovative concepts and burgeoning tech often finds its start in major cities like New York and San Francisco, while middle-of-the-country states are attempting to play catch-up.
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WalletHub's rankings are based on two dozen metrics divided into two categories: human capital and innovation environment.
Human capital comprises units like states' share of STEM professionals, projected STEM job demand in 2020, and performance and participation in high school-level math and science exams. Meanwhile, innovation environment includes metrics weighing each state's share of companies that are technology-oriented, the level of research and development, the number of jobs in new companies, and each place's tax friendliness.
These are the 10 most innovative states in the U.S., according to WalletHub: