Out of all 50 states, Massachusetts finished at the top with an overall score of 70.84, beating second-place Utah (69.18) by more than a point. As well as ranking first in terms of innovation potential, Massachusetts placed sixth in economic activity and 17th in economic health.

Washington placed third at 68.97, thanks largely to its innovation potential, leading position in the new technology space and high tech-sector employment.

California, which recently overtook Japan to become the world's fourth largest economy in terms of GDP, ranked fourth at 67.43.

At the bottom of the rankings were Hawaii (33.09), West Virginia (32.34) and Iowa (31.61) in 51st place (results included the District of Columbia in 12th place).