Regional Economic Development

Oregon has three research universities, all competing for state money. In Washington State, research funding is concentrated at the University of Washington. Unlike Oregon, Washington has made a sustained commitment to higher education over the years. As a consequence, the University of Washington is now more of an economic generator than the three research universities in Oregon.

What is different about this proposal, Cummings said, is that bond proposals are usually used to pay for brick and mortar projects. The shift to a knowledge-based economy requires a new approach, he added.

We are then using social network software to understand the linkages. To surface the network and build the linkages, we move toward action steps quickly. Building trust and connections, takes action, not words.

Due to their limited resources, many state governors have turned to economic development programs designed to stimulate entrepreneurship for help, the NGA said. These initiatives would concentrate resources on fast-growing groups or "clusters" of businesses that share markets, labor, new ideas and products.

"Idaho isn’t one of the fastest growing states just because of the scenery," the ad states. "It’s because of the landscape — the science and technology landscape."

"Profit Possibilities in Ireland" will feature a presentation from Dale Tasharski, senior commercial officer for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service.

In order to achieve economic prosperity, states must provide a workforce with the skills demanded in America’s high-wage, high-growth industries.

Utah stood out for its effective management of infrastructure and maintenance projects as well as its strategic planning efforts known as "Utah Tomorrow."

High-flying investors in North Idaho could turn what’s been a sleepy small-town airport into a soaring commercial zone within a few years.

The latest kids on the tech block are places like Twin Falls, Idaho; Oklahoma City; and Jonesboro, Ark. These are among the smaller cities or rural areas of the United States where information technology companies have been locating or expanding facilities.