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MSU, University of the Yellowstone. "The key is human capital. And this implies an emphasis on universities. Understanding this fact is the key to success. "

Here’s new evidence MSU is prospering. First the Carnegie Endowment just ranked MSU among the top 96 research universities in the U.S. No other school in our region made the cut. Second, on March 6th, Sikorsky Aircraft announced a new Bozeman design center to begin operation this July. Mark Miller, vice president of research and engineering with Sikorsky, cited the “strong university engineering programs at Montana State University as a main reason for locating in Bozeman.”

This progress is surely no accident, but rather the conjunction of leadership, logistics, and location. While many regret the implications reflected in this change, our world has been transformed. While there are a few exceptions, highest rewards go to those who manipulate symbols and build icons. Folks who make mundane material stuff must compete worldwide with the most efficient producers.

That’s why Montana’s relative position has deteriorated so substantially over the past 40 years. Our state’s prosperity was built on natural capital. However, this traditional economy of agriculture, forest products, and metals has dramatically declined and, aside from coal, has little prospect for future growth. Now the key is human capital. And this implies an emphasis on universities. Understanding this fact is the key to success.

by John A. Baden, Ph.D.

Full Story: http://www.free-eco.org/articleDisplay.php?id=497

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Lifestyle vs. jobs

A delicate balance

By Gerard O’Brien, Editor of The Montana Standard

A pair of public opinion polls — released last week — about life in Montana revealed, not surprisingly, that residents believe the lack of high-paying jobs and the cost of health care top the list of their concerns.

PPL Montana, which operates power generation facilities in the state, and the Montana Chamber of Commerce, each released a public opinion poll.

PPL’s poll pointed out that most Montanans and newcomers share the same concerns for the state, such as access to public land, rivers and streams and improving the state’s K-12 education system.

The lack of high-paying jobs and energy costs were at the top of the list, too.

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2006/03/22/newsopinion_top/newsopinion_top.txt

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