It’s Not the Economy, Stupid
Posted on | September 7, 2010 | 1 Comment
Even though James Carville’s well-known phrase states otherwise … economies are built on people.
When people aren’t engaged, aren’t able to utilize their skill sets, aren’t even working in many instances these days, economic activities grind to a halt. Time, energy, knowledge and experience can all be found at the core of any market activities … and these are the skills which are increasingly driving our economies forward.
But as people are both diverse and mobile, this can be a huge challenge for rural communities. How can you cultivate, attract and keep highly skilled individuals within your community?
Strengthening educational institutions and knowledge centres, such as local schools and libraries, are important, as are fostering relationships with institutions of higher education. Through research, teaching and outreach activities, economic opportunities can emerge.
Local amenities also play into a larger strategy … studies have indicated that communities located in scenic areas have an advantage in attracting higher-skilled workers by increasing their quality-of-life assets and amenities. In fact, the quality of life in smaller rural and rurban municipalities is attractive to many potential investors; this can counter the appeal of larger markets.
21st century infrastructure – that is, broadband – is also vital to support economic development now, and into the future. With broadband, people can access distant knowledge, information, markets and opportunities.
And finally, partnerships. Collaboration is one way rural communities can pool resources, market potential, and leverage possibilities. You can act a local level, but think regionally, first.
People are the new economic fuel. Can your community harness their power?
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Tags: broadband > Education > it's not the economy > quality of life > rural > rurban
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Community development, growth and communication in the rural-urban fringe landscape.
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September 7th, 2010 @ 8:23 pm
[...] It’s Not the Economy, Stupid : THE RURBAN FRINGE [...]