Ohio has strengths, but needs more tools to compete in technology-driven market.

Byline: William Hershey

Jan. 12--COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio retains economic qualities that made the state a manufacturing powerhouse in the 20th century but is average or worse when it comes to the tools needed to compete in a global economy driven by innovation and new technology.

Those findings come from a study released Wednesday during a Statehouse presentation by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Andrew Doehrel said Gov. Bob Taft and legislators are being briefed as they begin work on tax reform and other issues aimed at improving the economy.

The study, prepared by SRI International of Menlo Park, Calif., compared Ohio with 15 other …