Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Only a significant rise in education levels can change the dynamics of Southeastern Michigan, according to a new report issued by the council of governments. Dramatic losses of wealth and employment in the domestic auto industry are structural, not cyclical. Read more.
This report offers little new in what we have known about the domestic auto industry. These manufacturers are not organized to compete effectively in the U.S. market. Their cost structures are too high and inflexible. Their product design cycles are still too long. And their internal organizations are not geared to world class levels of learning, flexibility and adaptation.
A good quote from the article: "People in general don't understand how dramatically the job picture is changing,"
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.