Learning the lessons of the early 1980s, Oklahoma diversified its economy after the last oil bust. With another oil crunch upon us, it is vital that we look to the additional sources of jobs and prosperity provided by technology and telecommunications. One idea discussed by Charney holds some attraction for Oklahoma and much of its rural, open land. In fact, Oklahoma is the land of opportunity. Central to Oklahoma's own information revolution is a reinvestment in and a refocusing of ourselves.
Technology now exists to carry data, voice and video transmissions over a single line.
This type of improvement would allow both public entities and private businesses to operate more quickly and at a lower cost. We should also begin gearing our education and public policy toward the integration of high technology. While many state agencies and businesses are already doing this, it should be made a consistent, concerted effort. This will create a solid infrastructure and well-prepared work force in Oklahoma. It will also allow us to grow high-tech businesses from within as well as attracting companies to Oklahoma from other states.