Monday, January 13, 2003
Sometimes I find the most innovative economic development thinking in the smallest places.
Take the case of Richmond, Indiana. They are taking steps to build an innovation economy that few other larger regional economies have taken.
First of all, they have figured out the connection between education and economic development. They are taking local tax funds that are dedicated to economic development (called EDIT funds in Indiana) and providing scholarships to high school students who agree to continue their studies at local colleges and universities.
Next, they are combining their Main Street program with a plan to implement incubators. They are partnering with Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
The five school boards in the county have met together (for the first time) and agreed to focus their efforts on reading and literacy. Most impressive, though, Richmond is taking steps to build an integrated K-16 guided by a county-wide learning corporation.
This is a commmunity that clearly understands that the dynamics of economic development have shifted. Read more. Go
posted by Ed Morrison |
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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.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
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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.
Richmond, Indiana builds its innovation economy
