Eugene & Springfield are often labeled "Silicon Shire", is it really a High Tech Sector? (Portland: 2015)

[harrishawke]

I would of thought that UO would be a main catalyst of growth in Eugene and Springfield, but apparently the region is getting more High Tech. How accurate is this though? I am aware of a branch office of Symantec there, and an aviation firm, but many of the tech companies are either startups or small, under 50 employee type places. In addition, many engineering UO graduates move on to accept entry level positions in Portland or Seattle and leave Eugene entirely.

[Bees46]

There is a small but growing tech industry here. Many of the companies are small startups. And yes, many UO grads leave for jobs elsewhere. But some stay, and it isn't too difficult to lure talent here when needed.

[cornsnicker3]

Originally Posted by harrishawke

I would of thought that UO would be a main catalyst of growth in Eugene and Springfield, but apparently the region is getting more High Tech. How accurate is this though? I am aware of a branch office of Symantec there, and an aviation firm, but many of the tech companies are either startups or small, under 50 employee type places. In addition, many engineering UO graduates move on to accept entry level positions in Portland or Seattle and leave Eugene entirely.

What holds back the region is that UO doesn't have hard engineering degrees. Where there is tech, there is usually a combo of software, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing engineers. Having only part of the pie is not particularly conducive for growth of an area. Eugene may attract people looking for a decent town, but the knowledge bank isn't complete. I have been eyeing Indeed for engineering jobs for a while, and it is paltry at best.

[ryan_ninenine]

Yeah, the tech industry's growing here, but it's still tiny. It's growing, but that doesn't mean much considering how miniscule it was to begin with.

[knucklehead 61]

having moved to Cottage Grove when I retired in December 2015, I can safely say there is just a pinch more than zero hi tech here compared to the silicon valley. there is no comparison at all between the two areas.