Monday, August 04, 2003
More and more EDPros are going to be trying to sort out the bewildering array of economic development organizations in their region. Funding is the main factor driving this trend.
On the public side, we can expect to see more newpapers raising questions about how public dollars are being investing in economic development. The main theme: "Too much confusion, competition and overlap."
Private funders, including foundations, are demanding measurable returns for their investment. Dollars are no longer "free". So they are also going to be less patient about overlaps.
To get ahead of the curve, EDPros need to start mapping their landscape and figuring out how to design more flexible and responsive systems. These systems will also need to shift focus from recruitment to retention.
Here's a good article from Arizona. 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:
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.
Funders to EDPros: Eliminate the overlaps and confusion
