Association for a Better New York (ABNY)
HR&A conducted a comprehensive update of the New York City Tech Ecosystem Study for ABNY, Tech:NYC, and Google, delivering influential analysis that shaped policy discussions on tech workforce development and economic growth. Our research revealed significant sector expansion to 7% of the 4.27 million people working in New York City in 2021, as well as critical challenges in diversity and talent retention. Our findings and recommendations for addressing representation gaps were featured in The New York Times and The City.
A decade of tech-driven economic transformation in New York City created an urgent need to understand both the sector’s contributions and its equity challenges. HR&A’s analysis quantified the tech ecosystem’s substantial growth and its multiplier effects across the broader economy, while also examining workforce demographics and compensation patterns. Our research uncovered persistent representation and pay disparities affecting women and underrepresented minorities despite the sector’s overall success. We also identified an emerging risk: remote work policies were enabling tech talent to relocate outside city boundaries, potentially undermining New York’s position as a premier tech hub. By combining labor market analysis with demographic insights, we provided stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the tech ecosystem’s evolving dynamics.
Our final report translated these findings into strategic recommendations designed to strengthen New York’s tech sector while addressing its structural challenges. We outlined specific policy interventions to improve workforce diversity, enhance talent development pathways, and retain tech workers within the city. The study catalyzed meaningful conversations among government officials, industry leaders, and community organizations about the future of tech in New York City. By delivering both rigorous economic analysis and practical policy guidance, HR&A helped position New York to sustain its competitive advantage in tech while ensuring more equitable participation across demographic groups. The project exemplifies our ability to leverage data-driven insights to advance both economic development and inclusion goals for major urban centers.
