Raw Data
(Note: the graphs that originally accompanied this article are available only in the print version of Wired*.)*
High-tech PAC Donations
Telephone companies, whose infobahn success depends on the whim of federal regulations, led in PAC donations for '93. Most donations from both the communications and electronics industries went to then-incumbent Democrats; historically, though, the electronics industry leans right while media and entertainment lean to the left.
Virtual Reality Markets
The amount of money that changes hands worldwide in the name of virtual reality is negligible; most of it is spent developing new technology. The biggest segment of 1994, "public play" (VR arcades and amusement-park attractions), brought in about US$26 million last year.
Space Vehicle Sales
They didn't call him Ronald Ray-Gun for nothing: the 1980s saw a rapid buildup in military space vehicles - spy satellites as well as still-classified research satellites. But the defense cutbacks of the last few years have put military space purchases in a tailspin.
Semiconductor Purchases
Sales of the high-tech equipment necessary for manufacturing semiconductors are an early indicator for the computer industry. The figures for 1994 look encouraging: purchases were up 40 percent from the previous year. Much of the growth is occurring in Southeast Asia. Korea alone outstrips Europe in its equipment consumption.
- Steve G. Steinberg Sources: PAC Donations - Center for Responsive Politics; Virtual Reality Markets - 4th Wave Inc.; Space Vehicle Sales - Aerospace Industries Association; Semiconductor equipment purchases - SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International).
