Monday, November 15, 2004
Here's a good analysis of the brain drain in Iowa. In particular, the article outlines the downward spiral that comes from a short-sighted economic development strategy focused only on jobs:
"Upmarket companies choose not to move to a state because of a shortage of "skilled" (usually college-educated) employees. Desperate for jobs, the state turns its attention to lower-wage employers. Wages decline, further driving away college graduates. The population stops growing and the economy slows down.
"The state begins to have budget shortfalls. Spending on higher education drops, as taxpayers balk at educating workers who will soon move to another state. Finally, the state gets a reputation as a low-wage, unskilled state."
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.
Slowing Iowa's brain drain
