Saturday, October 05, 2002
According to a recent analysis, Pennsylvania has lagged behind the rest of the nation in job growth, largely because the the state lacks a strategic, encompassing approach to economic development. The report recommends investments in clusters, training partnerships, and state colleges and universities. Download the report. Go
This report, written by a left-of-center grassroots research organization, reflects trend I'm seeing across the country: an absence of ideology at the local level. While our national politics are still animated by fierce ideological divisions, state and local politics have become much more pragmatic. In the 1970's community development corporations, for example, often picketed outside banks to get their point across. Now, they are more likely to be shaking hands with bank officers who helped finance high proifile neighborhood projects.
Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
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Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Pennsylvania's economic strategy criticized
