While we are aware of the budget crisis facing our state, New Jersey needs these programs to maintain its competitive position in a technology-based and technology-driven economy.

Bowling Green is shifting to a more knowledge-based, technology-driven economy.

Some managers think that with the advent of a new, technology-driven economy - where economic cycles are far longer than they have been in the past - it could be many years before value stocks return to favor for an appreciable period.

Israel, after withdrawal to pre-1967 borders, would retain a prosperous, technology-driven economy, rule of law, civil liberties and social safety nets for the poor and the disabled.

"We've certainly banked a lot of our economic, political and social capital on this notion that the global, technology-driven economy is one that all Americans should buy into," Mr. Bernstein said.

But he presents himself as an ordinary working-class guy and has a gift for witty, memorable soundbites which resonate well with the farmers and factory workers left out of Finland's technology-driven economy.

While undervaluing research is worrisome at any time, it is particularly serious in today's technology-driven economy.

Governments had cut deeply into budget deficits, inflation had almost disappeared and excitement about a technology-driven "new economy" had taken hold among consumers and businesses.

The technology-driven economy of the last few years has also turned executives toward the rewards of small businesses.