Regional Economic Development

The report provides a snapshot of how each of the fifty states is performing in terms of key science and technology indicators such as R&D expenditures, percentage of population with advanced degrees, and high technology business start-ups. This year’s edition also includes a new section that examines how leading indicators have changed over a ten-year period.

When North Dakota came to Silicon Valley looking for jobs last fall, Rock Clapper bought what the state was selling.

”We got calls from the governor, had lunch with South Dakota’s US senators, and had meetings with its congressman, the presidents of the two big state universities and the local university in Sioux Falls. If we have a problem, we pick up the phone and call the governor," Robl said. ”In Massachusetts, we couldn’t get a phone call returned."

"I am focused on bringing venture capital into Utah so we can grow our own companies," she said. "We need a strong . . . economy for our kids."

according to a new publication by the Economic Policy Institute, an analysis of the relevant research literature finds little grounds to support tax cuts and incentives—especially when they occur at the expense of public investment—as the best means to expand employment and spur growth.

Big ideas came from small towns Wednesday at the spring meeting of the Inland Northwest Partners regional economic development organization.

"My wife and I cannot see ourselves moving away from this environment," he said. "There are so many benefits that come from being surrounded by so many like-minded people who want to live, work and shop in the same place. There is no question that this move has been good for my business."

The results will provide an added tool for business recruiters looking to convince outside companies to relocate or add facilities in Boise, said Shirl Boyce, vice president of the Boise Metro Economic Development Council.

"We need to build the infrastructure, the bandwidth, the education, the health care and the access to capital for entrepreneurs …," he said, "so that communities can strengthen and diversify."

The Inland Northwest Revitalization Act, which Crapo introduced earlier this month, addresses many of those issues.

"I know this may not seem like a big story today, but it will mean a lot down the road," White said.