Last week I had the opportunity to attend IDC’s Tech Outlook 2010 conference in Seattle. Produced by analyst firm IDC, the conference series features top IDC analysts sharing their research and perspectives on key technologies, trends and opportunities for 2010.

Geared towards C-level executives, marketing and sales teams, business development directors and product managers, the conference focused on insights and predictions on key IT topics such as cloud computing, business intelligence (BI), analytics and mobile devices. Industry analysts including Frank Gens, Dan Vessett and Bob O’Donnell shared some interesting perspectives surrounding what will sustain and drive each of these technology segments over the next year.

One of the most encouraging messages I took away from the conference, was that regardless of whether or not an economic recovery is around the corner, innovation in IT continues to fuel growth in the technology industry. This will no doubt position organizations within this sector to experience sustainable recovery from the recession before other industry segments.

This message was reinforced by a recent survey conducted by KMPG, an audit, tax and advisory firm. The survey showed that seven in 10 technology executives believe that their industry will recover ahead of the overall U.S. economy. The survey revealed that executives believe that cloud computing and mobile will be key drivers for revenue growth in technology.

Gary Matuszak, partner, global chair and U.S. leader for KPMG’s Information, Communications and Entertainment practice said, “The fact executives see the full recovery stretched into 2012 may mean a slower rebound, but also may indicate a sustainable recovery rather than a possible W–shaped recovery which has been a concern in some markets.” Gary went on to state, “Tech executives continue to grow more confident that the worst is behind the sector and that the engine of innovation which has traditionally led the tech sector growth is still there.”

At a recent Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) conference, Shawn DuBravac, the organization’s chief economist and director of research said, “We’re at this very delicate handoff as we move into Q3 and Q4 from a stimulus economy to one that needs to be driven by the private sector.”

For me, it has always been exciting to work in the technology industry as it is one driven by innovation. Clearly, that innovation is going to be the key to the industry’s success in rebounding from the recession. I believe we are beginning to see signs of this in Seattle with new employment opportunities arising, more start-up companies launching and marketing budgets slightly increasing. It’s a small start, but a trend I think will continue to grow over the next couple of years.