Economic Contribution of Federally Funded Research Facilities in Colorado, FY2013−FY2015

Federal research facilities provide economic benefits to the Colorado economy through direct facility employment and through the purchasing of goods and services. However, given the nature of the research and development (R&D) conducted at the various facilities, employment and expenditures represent only a fraction of the full benefits of federal research facilities in Colorado. These auxiliary benefits include the development and existence of high-tech firms that locate near the facilities, collaborations with Colorado universities on cutting-edge research, experience for higher-education students through internships and part-time jobs, world-renowned research conducted in the state, and the economic benefits associated with R&D programs.