Sunday, June 10, 2007
One of the challenges for every EDPro is elevating the community discussion on innovation. By guiding these discussions, we can move this issue to the center of the economic development agenda in this country.
Here's an example of how to do that. In Delaware, the university is conducitng a workshop, "How Innovation Drives our Economy". Read more.
Notice how the workshop is structured around some compelling questions: "Can we create a “flight simulator for the surgeon” that will enable surgeons to practice complex medical procedures before they even touch the patient? Can we explore molecular details of biological processes in an interactive, immersive environment where we can literally fly through the molecules?"
People will move in the direction of their conversations. EDPros can guide these conversations by continuously asking the engaging questions.
We need to use our imagination to develop these questions. "What would our downtown look like as the center of a vibrant arts community"" "Could our local food producers develop a regional brand?" "Could we create an entrepreneurship program with a business plan competition in every high school in our region?"
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.
Guiding conversations
