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

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

The report is an attempt 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.