Tuesday, January 28, 2003
SBA has released some valuable data sets for EDPros interested in economic analysis. They include state and metro level data on firm size and dynamic changes. This type of information is critical to defining the scope of a BR+E program.
Michael Porter's Cluster mapping project has also released data for the year 2000. For a subscription of $250 a year, EDPros can download data. You can reach the cluster mapping project on their home page. Go
Explore the free sections of the site first. You may not need much beyond that. If you want to explore in depth, get a subscription and some smart interns. Forget hiring a consultant to teach you about clusters. (I have yet to see a cluster report by a consultant -- including Porter -- that is worth the money. Disclosure: I have done one, but I didn't think much of it, so I don't do them anymore.)
posted by Ed Morrison |
links
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:
Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber:
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.
Valuable data available...
