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Waldorf suggests that the benefits of Indiana's Knowledge Corridor, with its highly educated population and research universities, could spill over into neighboring counties, as companies and workers locate in the surrounding area.
To take advantage of this tiny treasure trove, the state could invest in communications and transportation improvements in the area and market the corridor as a region for job creation.
Ultimately, the entire state could profit she says, if the corridor were uniquely positioned similar to areas of the country, such as the "Research Triangle" in North Carolina and California's "Silicon Valley."
The possible benefits of developing Indiana's Knowledge Corridor are described in her Purdue publication of the same name.
Collaboration beats competition
Economic development is often looked at from either the state or the local level. However, real economic opportunity lies in regional development where close-by communities collaborate rather than compete for companies.
To maximize opportunities such as Indiana's Knowledge Corridor, the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD) was established to provide information and form partnerships that foster regional approaches to economic development.
PCRD, which published Waldorf's work, supports applied research, policy analysis, educational forums and access to university technology and expertise. "Our goal is to help Indiana become the nation's leader in supporting creative regional development," says Sam Cordes, center co-director and assistant director of Purdue Extension.
However, the state has a long way to go and an urgency to get there. "Indiana is making strides," Waldorf says. "The thing is that other states are making strides, too. For economic development to succeed, we have to highlight the positives and build upon our momentum."
"No County Left Behind?" and "Indiana's Knowledge Corridor" are available on the Purdue Center for Regional Development Web site www.purdue.edu/dp/pcrd.
Contact Beth Forbes at
forbes@purdue.edu
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