Hawai'i is doing a little better in a ranking of states when it comes to the "new economy," or activities in which technology, innovation and knowledge play a role.

A study released by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation shows the state moved up to the No. 35 spot from No. 41 last year, with strong showings in several areas, including workforce education and immigration of knowledge workers.

The report tries to identify which states are doing well when it comes to being innovative, globally-linked, entrepreneurial and dynamic, with an educated workforce and all sectors embracing the use of information technology. Massachusetts, a state that boasts many software, hardware and biotech companies along with world-class universities, ranked first on the list.

The report said that states with economies rooted in natural resources, manufacturing or tourism typically rank low on the list, with Mississippi coming in last.

"But innovative capacity (derived through universities, R&D investments, scientists, scientists and engineers, and entrepreneurial drive) is increasingly what drives competitive success in the New Economy," the report said.

Some of the report's findings on Hawai'i: