Arizona is one of the most innovative states in the nation, according to a new assessment from the Consumer Technology Association.

The CTA’s latest “innovation scorecard” ranked the Grand Canyon State No. 5 in an evaluation of states that considered policies on emerging technologies, broadband and education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM subjects. Arizona was among 13 states considered innovation champions, the report’s highest designation.

The evaluation gave states letter grades in several categories and gave short explanations of those marks. Arizona got three A grades — in drones and advanced air mobility, in self-driving vehicles and in telehealth.

The report said Arizona has welcomed testing in self-driving vehicles and is one of the leading states for self-driving vehicle operations. It also noted that the state allows mobility-as-a-service. When it comes to drones and advanced air mobility, the report said the state has no unreasonable regulations or restrictions that conflict with federal rules.

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By Jeff Gifford - Digital Editor