Tuesday, July 29, 2003
One of the big issues for EDPros in rural areas is how to develop an innovation strategy that ties into technology-based economic development.
In West Texas, they are developing a hub-and-spoke incubator network.
Here's another example.
Anderson, Indiana is about an hour's drive northeast of Indianapolis, and it's the site of the state's second certified technology park. Learn more.
The city formed a partnership with Anderson University and Purdue University to create its technological business incubator. We see that an important element in a rural innovation strategy is connection with established colleges and universities.
And here's an example from Missouri. Southeast Missouri State University is starting down the path of building an innovation center. They have secured support from the state, including $300,000 in cash and some tax incentives. (Missouri has four other innovation center projects associated with University of Missouri sites in Rolla, Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City.)
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.
Technology parks in rural areas
