Sunday, February 12, 2006
Measuring the health of a regional economy is a tricky task. Part of the challenge is conceptual. In order for an index to make sense, it must reflect a theory of growth or development. So, for example, a business -- with an appropriate business model -- can design a dashboard that reflects the key leverage points embedded in the business model.
For a region, the task of articulating a clear and concise theory of change is no easy task. The theory or model should reflect a civic consensus on what's important.
The Sacramento Regional Research Institute last week released a regional prosperity index.
You can read more here. You can download a copy of the index here.
posted by Ed Morrison |
links
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.
Sacramento's regional prosperity index
