Delaware, DC come out ahead in trade group tally

When it comes to Internet speeds, the first state appears to be best.

Delaware has the fastest average Internet speed at 16.2 Megabits per second, according to a new analysis from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) that ranks each state on its willingness to encourage new innovation.

{mosads}The tech company trade group declared the state an “Innovation Champion,” along with eight other states and the District of Columbia. Each of the states were noted for excelling at a range of categories from tax friendliness to size of the tech workforce.

According to CEA’s survey, the District of Columbia has the most tech jobs per capita, while Massachusetts tied with California to bring in the most venture capital dollars, with more than $500 per capita. The other states to receive recognition were Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

The index was released on Tuesday ahead of the group’s annual Digital Patriots Dinner in the evening, which will honor House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and America Online co-founder Steve Case. On Wednesday, the group is holding a tech showcase on Capitol Hill.

The group promised to annually update its scorecard as states roll out new policies.

“We’re excited to provide our members and the public with a multi-dimensional look at what makes a state a great home for tech products and services, companies and startups,” CEA head Gary Shapiro said in a statement before the formal announcement. “It’s important that our scorecard recognizes the positive steps states have taken to advance innovation, as well as the areas in which they can improve.”