Sunday, June 06, 2004
Communities around Charlotte are focusing on building incubators as a strategy to boost the regional economy. While the strategy makes sense, incubators are more than real estate deals. The key is to offer services that extend the social networks of entrepreneurs in the region.
These incubator projects look more like a fad than a strategy to me. The amounts of money are not large, and, generally speaking, cities and towns are not good promoters or operators of incubators. You need people closer to the market. Read about what is going on in the communities around Charlotte. Go.
I like the GLIDE model at Lorain Community College here in Ohio. It's a partnership among the chamber, the county and the community college. Read more about GLIDE. Go.
Learn more about incubators from the National Business Incubator Association. 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:
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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.
Incubators popping up in the Charlotte region
