Tuesday, October 12, 2004
For years, the Economic Development Administration focused on infrastructure projects as a way to spur economic development. This strategy is rooted in the Depression-era roots of the organization, no doubt.
Now, however, the EDA's leadership is focused on the core issues facing our long term competitiveness: innovation and workforce skills. As David Sampson, head of the EDA, recently told an audience in Tucson: “Innovation is the only sustainable source of economic prosperity.” Read more
If only the presidential campaigns were paying attention.
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.
"It's innovation, stupid"
