Saturday, January 29, 2005
The governor of Arizona has figured it out. Workforce issues will dominate economic development for the rest of our lifetimes. If you want to invest in workforce skills, start early. According to the governor: "We know that waiting until first grade is too late. Where we really need to invest is from birth up to 5 years." Read more.
For hard-boiled EDPros who still do not see the connection between early childhood investments and economic development, think of it this way. Generations ago, we had to build an economic infrastructure of roads, bridges, utility systems. These physical investments are still important.
But now our global economy runs on brainpower. Early childhood programs are the infrastructure of the brainpower economy. Investments in early childhood education make sense, because they pay returns in higher incomes.
Next week, in Cleveland, we will start to strengthen the connection between early childhood and economic development. You can read about our forum from this page.
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.
Arizona governor: Invest early in children
