Friday, January 30, 2004
In the years ahead, regional economies across the board will face a common challenge: a shortage of skilled workers.
Part of the challenge is demographic. The Baby Boom generation is much larger than the generation that follows. So as Baby bBoomers begin to retire, there are simply not enough workers following in their footsteps.
Another driving factor is the remarkably poor productivitiy of our educational system. We are producing far too many drop-outs, and up to half of our high school graduates enter the workforce with weak skills and no career plans.
Every region faces the same sets of challenges. Prosperity will depend on how well we all respond.
Here's an article from Virginia that starts to connect the dots. 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.
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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.
The coming shortage of skilled workers
