Tuesday, July 13, 2004
The manufacturing downturn has hit a number of regions hard. Northwest Illinois, around Rockford, is a good example. To restructure the economy, new strategies based on innovation and entrepreneurship will need support.
The State of Illinois is making the right move by investing $300,000 in the Northwest Region Entrepreneur Center. Read more. One question: Where is the local commitment of public and private funds. If this initiative starts off as simply as stand alone investment by the state, it will likely fail. $300,000 sounds like a lot, but you can burn through it in not time.
Another concern: I don't see any college or university partners in the mix.
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.
New innovation center for Rockford
