Final answer:
Computing and information technology flourished in Washington due to a tech center akin to Silicon Valley and government and business sector support, particularly during the Cold War era's heavy investment in technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The flourishing of computing and information technology in Washington can be attributed to its technology center which has similarities to California's Silicon Valley, supported by the government and the business community providing economic incentives. The Cold War era saw significant government spending on technology, as governments sought to advance technology by sending commissions abroad and supporting innovative companies. This investment catalyzed advancements in sectors like missile technology, radar, and the early stages of computing—signs of the burgeoning information sector that would later characterize regions like Seattle, Washington.
Washington's rise as a tech hub also benefited from a global shift towards the information sector, with policies supporting sectors that required a substantial investment in human capital, such as education. The high-tech industry received a major boost in the 1990s, a period of significant technological change and the advent of new information systems that contributed to the region's economic prosperity.