Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) residents agree the Metroplex is thriving with innovation, technology opportunities and growing tech skill sets according to a Capital One study released today – and they think it will only get better.
In addition, 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.
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 DFW residents and Americans in general.
DFW residents are positive about the Metroplex’s potential to become a thriving technology and innovation hub.
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 findings show optimism in what’s to come,” said Sanjiv Yajnik, President, 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.”
These survey findings are part of the larger Future Edge DFW effort, focused on helping DFW get ready for tomorrow, today. 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 DFW on three dimensions – 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.
Nationally, the company has made a $150 million commitment over five years to help prepare more Americans with the skills, tools and resources they need to succeed in an ever-changing digitally-driven economy. For more information on what Capital One is doing across the country, join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook. #InvestedInTech.
