Connecticut, at No. 6 nationally, has reached its highest ranking ever in the 2016 Milken Institute's State Technology and Science Index.

Previously, the state ranked ninth in the index, which looks at various tech and science factors, such as human capital development, entrepreneurial infrastructure and research-and-development investment. The biennial ranking had Massachusetts in first place nationally, followed by Colorado, Maryland, California and Washington.

"This is the BEST news I have seen in quite some time," said Fred Carstensen, an economist at the University of Connecticut. "How will Connecticut use this very encouraging evaluation as the foundation from which to rebuild its economic vitality?"

Carstensen noted a Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis study has indicated stranded state tax credits of nearly $2 billion could be used to enhance major technology investments, boosting jobs and improving the economy. — Lee Howard