Community Colleges Can Benefit Industry Clusters

Local economies and their industry clusters can benefit from strengthening linkages with community colleges, according to research conducted by Regional Technology Strategies (RTS) http://rtsinc.org/ , a private, non-profit economic and workforce development organization. Benefits include:

* Experiential learning opportunities;

* Access to industry contacts;

* Opportunities for career advancement;

* Economies of scale; and

* Concentration of college resources, providing opportunities for the college to become a center of expertise, knowledge, and technologies.

RTS has developed a database of about 21 international industry clusters supported by 90 community colleges that provide the clusters with specialized programs and services. Industries include: Aerospace, Agribusiness, Automotive, Biotechnology, Information Technology, Media, Plastics, and Tourism and Hospitality. Most of the clusters and colleges are located in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Industry clusters develop when businesses locate in close proximity to other related companies including suppliers, purchasers, and competitors. Programs and services offered by community colleges include certificate and degree programs, customized training programs, specialized equipment and technologies, faculty with cluster experience, and experiential learning opportunities.
Related Links:

* Industry Cluster Hubs at Community Colleges Compendium http://www.rtsinc.org/clusterhubs/index.php