Tuesday, October 12, 2004
A cluster of Linux-based businesses is forming in Portland, OR. Here's a good article on the birth of a cluster. Read more.
The article reinforces an important notion for EDPros. Clusters are not "things", like roads, bridges or industrial parks.
Clusters are complex, adaptive systems that emerge from networks of relationships. To induce their development, EDPros need to become more attuned to systems thinking: the ability to see and map interconnections. In this way we can identify the appropriate intervention points to accelerate the development of the cluster. At Case, we are exploring the tools of social network analysis to help EDPros understand and map these interdependencies.
Porter's insights into the importance of clusters are valuable. At the same time, EDPros also need practical tools to understand the structure and improve the performance of clusters.
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.
Birth of a cluster in Portland, OR
