Saturday, December 06, 2003
One of the biggest challenges facing EDPros is preparing communities for the deep transitions that are reshaping our manufacturing economy. Here are two examples of what not to do.
In Wisconsin, a former secretary of the state Department of Workforce Development stated that Wisconsin needs to strive for an economy "where we work with our brains, not with our hands." (She seems to ignore that most people, including professionals from research scientists to aerospace engineers, work with their hands.) Not surprisingly, a state labor leader objected to this simple-minded notion. Go.
In Seattle, all the attention being paid to the "new economy" is making manufacturers feel left out. EDPros in that city are ignoring a significant component of their economic base. Read more.
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.
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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.
Framing the manufacturing issue correctly
