Video on High-Tech Economic Development

[4jeg]

"The Flight of the Creative Class

Speaking about recent experiences in Pittsburgh, Richard Florida paints a picture of a global giant on the verge of one of the toughest economic battles of its life. In this wake-up call to business, political, and cultural leaders alike, he argues that to stay at the cutting edge, the U.S. will have to find ways to compete. He offers many ideas such as: mitigate gross inequality; harness the creativity of all human beings, take on political polarization; retain the traditional openness of American society to international influence; revamp K-12 and post-secondary education; and adapt to the global creative economy."

Link: http://researchchannel.org/prog/displayevent.aspx?rID=11275&fID=345

Enjoy! :)

[Lydia]

I totally agree with your posting on what needs to happen in America. When I speak about America I actually mean ALL OF NORTH AMERICA. It has been too long since we all stood up and became accountable.

What I use to call this creative Class was the WORKING CLASS. They use to be neither the poor class or the rich class. They were the COMFORTABLE CLASS. They didn't need to work themselves to death. They were a CARING FOR THEIR NEIGHBOUR CLASS. They looked after their children, when they married they usually married for life. They shared values with their children and neighbours. They were not afraid of their jobs being taken from them. When they worked for a company, they were dedicated to their careers and they were compensated in such a way that they could live satisfactoryly.

I wonder where did that class go?? They created responsible government, they created health system that cared for everyone, they were inventors. Where did they go?

I have an idea, lets bring them all back.

[4jeg]

This is a radio programme on this topic, also with Richard Florida. Here's the description:

"The states are in increasing competition to retain or attract young, educated, tech savvy professionals.

Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan has a plan to increase her states competitiveness -- be cool. She has asked the mayors of 200 cities in Michigan to come up with ideas to foster a hip environment. But can government really manufacture cool?"

Link to Listen: The State of Cool (http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2003/12/20031203_a_main.asp)

Links to Florida's books:

The Rise of the Creative Class (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Rise-Creative-Class-How-Its-Richard-Florida/9780465024773-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527richard+florida %2527)
and
Who's Your City? (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Whos-Your-City-How-Creative-Richard-Florida/9780307356963-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527richard+florida %2527)

[4jeg]

This is a review out of the University of Ottawa briefly describing the steps Ireland took to take itself from being one of the worst economic performers in the EU to one of the best; no doubt many lessons that we should think about applying!

Enjoy!