Harnessing a Decade of Global Cluster Experience
Clusters have been marketed by consultants as an innovation in U.S. economic development which promised communities a revolutionary tool for enhancing competitiveness and innovation. Clusters are not a new concept, however. Alfred Marshall first identified them in 1890 in his work on industrial districts in Chicago. Marshall's theories, borrowed by Michael Porter at Harvard, suggest that regions that specialize in particular industries gain competitive advantages through "agglomeration economies." In essence, a triad of economic advantages accrues to companies operating within a cluster. Yet, even with these advantages, this development strategy has limitations.
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Alternative Energy Incentives Renewed, Even Expanded by Congress
As part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (aka "the bailout package"), Congress extended the Production (PTC) and Investment Tax Credits (ITC) for a variety of Alternative Energy investments. The incentives apply to residential and industrial uses for alternative energy, including solar, wind and others, and the outlook for these industries is still bullish. Newly-enacted incentives include a tax credit for industrial carbon capture and re-use or sequestration. Email Ed Bee for a strategy to make these incentives work for you in a tough economy. |
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Kolzow to Speak at NREDA Dr. Dave Kolzow, Principal of Taimerica, will be addressing the National Rural Economic Development Association next week on better understanding opportunities in the rural economic development community. This organization has been providing educational, advocacy and networking opportunities to its rural and suburban members since 1988. |
