Friday, May 20, 2005
A region in Northern Minnesota has identified applied engineering as one focal point of its future economic development. Last year, civic leaders launched Ingenuity Frontier to attract and educate engineers. Ingenuity Frontier wants to develop the region's reputation for applied engineering.
This initiative is a good example of thinking more deeply about regional assets. Rather than be content with generalities of "a good work force" or a "good quality of life", the leaders in this region have held deeper conversations. They have uncovered some important strengths that characterize their economy. Read more.
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.
Northern Minnesota and applied engineering
