UNC report on North Carolina marketing efforts is available
Thursday, April 03, 2003
The University of North Carolina has posted its report that recommends changes in the state's economic development system.
The report proposes improvements in statewide marketing for economic development. The suggestions include better coordination between the state and regions in developing a marketing plan, clearer roles, and improved accountability for measurable results.
The issue of coordination is a tricky one. States (South Carolina, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, for example) are moving toward a more regional approach to economic development, as they focus on regional clusters. This approach raises the difficulties of balancing statewide branding and recruitment with regional branding and recruitment.
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.
UNC report on North Carolina marketing efforts is available
