Scott Walker Says All Industries, Old And New, Are Important

A study done for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation finds that longtime industries, like manufacturing paper and printing, continue to drive the state’s economy.

But those industries have had problems, and the study warns the state is behind in its innovation and technology.

Governor Scott Walker concedes Wisconsin is behind the curve, but doesn’t think his frequent visits to manufacturers are misplaced.

“Whether it’s dated or not, the reality is that it’s still 20 percent of our GDP. If I hadn’t put so much focus on it, people would say ‘How could you ignore that big of a piece of our state’s economy?’ For us, what we’re trying to do with manufacturers…is find a way help them invest in new capital and new ways of producing.”

Walker contends the state still wants to play a role in newer industries like biotechnology and biosciences. He says he’s continued to help water technology firms in southeastern Wisconsin, which also got a boost from Walker’s predecessor, Jim Doyle.