Michigan pushes collaboration in the tool and die industry
Wednesday, January 29, 2003
Collaboration is easy to talk about but hard to pull off. That's why "cluster-based" strategies are so tough to implement. So, I was drawn to explore Michigan's effort to boost collaboration among smaller tool and die companies.
As part of this initiative, Michigan is launching a pilot training program to address the competitive challenges of the tool and die industry. The program will train workers in new manufacturing methods. Read more. EDPros with large, mature industries should explore this approach.
A recent report by the State pointed to training as one of the key drivers for maintaining this industry. The report outlines practical ways to improve collaboration within an industry cluster. Download the report.
posted by Ed Morrison |
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.
Michigan pushes collaboration in the tool and die industry
