state tbed

The working paper argues a need for economic development coordination in knowledge-based economies. The author argues that business, civic, and academic leadership groups participating in a process to assess their region’s competitive position, determine its priorities, and execute a regional economic strategy, is the best mechanism for coordination.

In an effort to work with the private sectors for economic change, the initiative from Mayor Dave Cieslewicz includes focusing on growing economies for long-term stability by strengthening the roots of locally-owned businesses among other proposals.

The study from Oklahoma 21st Century reports on the Oklahoma Department of Commerces Jobs Program and looks at different ways to calculate the economic impact of the states incentives. The authors offer suggestions to be implemented to improve economic development.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy surveyed 141 foundations and found that 73 planned to keep grant budgets the same, while only 46 expected an increase. Other foundations are expected to follow suit in 2004, slowing the growth of new programs or putting them on hold even if their giving remains the same, due to the loss of assets and their slow recovery, the report indicates.

The Foundation Centers annual report indicates a notable increase in funding will be seen as foundations’ assets recover. The persistent decline of the stock market in 2002 and into early 2003 is cited as a central reason why foundation giving experienced an overall 2.5 percent decrease in 2003. However, the percentage decline in giving was less than expected considering the loss of more than 10 percent in foundation assets between 2000 and 2002.

The Milken Institute study provides quick case studies to illustrate the good and bad sides of applying statistics to technology-based economic development policies.

The annual report from Pittsburgh Technology Council indicates a significant reduction in employment among southwestern Pennsylvanias technology industries in 2002 was not enough to offset signs of a turnaround. The regions tech industry took a hit during 2001-2002, losing 400 tech companies and 5,000 tech jobs, however, wages have increased in each of southwestern Pennsylvanias existing five clusters.

The Center for Economic Development study offers a new approach to identifying technology industries using the North American Industry Classification System. Industries are identified either as technology employers or technology generators.

Preliminary findings from the annual survey conducted by the National League of Cities reveal economic and fiscal conditions are worsening in many of Americas cities and towns. Overall economic conditions worsened in 40 percent of cities, compared to 26 percent that said conditions improved. Roughly one-third of those sampled reported no change in their economic conditions.

The report contains three major components: a profile of the technology sector in Maryland; an economic impact analysis of the technology sector in Maryland; and a survey of technology companies regarding performance and critical issues. According to the report, technology industries in Maryland employed 221,540 people in 1997 and these people earned an estimated $10.9 billion and paid $629 million in selected state and local taxes.