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The non-partisan Milken Institute places Wisconsin smack-dab in the middle when it comes to the state's ability to compete in a technology-oriented economy.

Wisconsin is No. 25, according to Milken's 2018 State Technology and Science rankings. That is three places lower than the state fared in 2016, the last such ranking by Milken.

The top five states were: Massachusetts, Colorado, Maryland, California and Utah.

Massachusetts drew high marks for its major research universities, venture capital availability, entrepreneurial expertise and tech-oriented workforce. The state also has boosted public funds for neuroscience research, cybersecurity innovation and startup development, the report said.

Utah rose from eighth place to fifth because its tech sector employment is growing at an average 4.3 percent a year, the fastest in the U.S., the report said.

Among Midwestern states, three scored higher than Wisconsin. Minnesota was No. 8; Illinois, No. 15; and Michigan, No. 18.

Wisconsin fared a bit better on its risk capital, No. 16, and research capacity, No. 19, and was in the middle of the pack on educational investment in science and tech fields, at No. 25.