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The microelectronics industry continues to face a persistent talent gap, highlighting the need for effective learning modules to engage future engineering students. Mixed Reality (MR) offers a promising hands-on approach for teaching complex visual-spatial structure of microelectronic; however, whether MR-based instruction outperforms conventional desktop interfaces in enhancing visual-spatial memory for microelectronics education remains unclear. In this preliminary study, we developed an interactive “LEGO-like” assembly experience in both MR and PC formats to compare their effects on students’ learning experiences. Visual-spatial knowledge was assessed through three quiz tasks—component name recognition, visual selection, and spatial ordering—administered before the intervention, immediately afterward, 24 hours later, and again at six weeks to evaluate retention. Preliminary findings suggest that PC users exhibited greater immediate knowledge gains (PC: 89%, MR: 73%), whereas MR users demonstrated stronger retention at the six-week mark. We discuss these results and directions for future research. 

Abstract Most research on non‐competes has focused on employees; here we study how non‐competes affect firm location choice, growth, and consequent regional concentration, using Florida's 1996 legislative change that eased restrictions on their enforcement. Difference‐in‐differences models show that following the change, establishments of large firms were more likely to enter Florida; they also created a greater proportion of jobs and increased their share of employment in the state. Entrepreneurs or establishments of small firms, in contrast, were less likely to enter Florida following the law change; they also created a smaller proportion of new jobs and decreased their share of employment. Consistent with these location and job creation dynamics, regional business concentration increased following the law change in Florida. Nationwide cross‐sections demonstrate consistent correlations between state‐level non‐compete enforcement and the location, employment, and concentration dynamics illustrated in Florida.