| Rural Knowledge
Clusters
A number of notable rural success stories suggest the tantalizing
possibility that rural communities can develop their own centers
of knowledge-based activity. The State and Local Policy Program has embarked on a series
of research projects that examine "rural knowledge clusters"
as a model for innovative, dynamic rural economies. |
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Understanding
Your Industry
We provide a flexible approach for identifying
the key industries in your area's economy. Specifically, the framework
is designed to provide users with assistance in:
- Quantitative Analysis
- Qualitative Methods
- Identifying Industries
- Accessing Data Sources
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Industry
Cluster Studies
The Industry Cluster approach has increasingly
generated interest among economic development professionals. As
an analytic tool they afford a deeper understanding of the local
economic base and offer the chance to deploy resources more strategically. The State and Local Policy Program has conducted numerous studies
throughout regions in the state and in each case has made its
findings available in these quality reports. |
| Principles of Economic Development
Economic
Development is a concept whose definition often depends on who
is doing the talking. Economists, elected officials, development
professionals and citizens are all likely to have varying perspectives
on the subject.
The basic framework begins with the assumption that the object
of development is to create wealth, whether on a national, regional
or local level. However, it is here that the many perspectives
diverge. As a backgrounder, the SLPP presents "Ten Principles
in Economic Development."
Economic Competitiveness
Since 2006, the State and Local Policy Program as taught Microeconomics of Competitiveness: Firms, Clusters and Economic Development (MOC), a course developed by Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter. The course has been offered both as an executive development course for Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) workforce development staff and as a capstone workshop for Humphrey Institute graduate students.
In April 2008 Michael Porter spoke by video conference to current and former Minnesota MOC students. The Porter question and answer session followed a panel discussion on Minnesota's competitiveness strategy with Burke Murphy, DEED Metro Administrator; Bonnie Elsey, DEED Workforce Development Director; Linda Baer, Senior Vice Chancellor, MN State Colleges and University System; and Dan McElroy, DEED Commissioner.
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Data and Development Resources
We offer a guide to online data sources that have proven useful
in undertaking many forms of economic development analysis. There
are three main categories that are typically used: national-level;
state-level; and county-level data.
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