Monday, August 06, 2007
Southwest Virginia -- around Roanoke -- represents another region trying to struggle with "What's next?"
Increasingly, regional leaders are figuring out that the traditional manufacturing recruitment game is not enough. Some regions are turning to the theories of Richard Florida as an alternative. The challenge, of course, is that Florida's theories are difficult to apply.
Florida's three T's -- talent, technology, tolerance -- do not quickly translate into clear strategies. Roanoke will be confronting these realities. Read more.
The civic leaders in Roanoke might head to the Berkshires, where regional leaders are making headway building on strategies to build a creative 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.
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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.
Roanoke: "What's next?"
