Northeast Ohio's Regional Technology Strategy
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Will we continue to see our manufacturing base eroded by foreign competition and radical new innovations developed elsewhere, or will "The Next New Thing" involve a local resurgence in this vital sector?
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Will our major corporations continue to merge, consolidate, and move out of the area, or will some sectors decide that Northeast Ohio is where they should call home?
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Are we on the cusp of a breakthrough that will revitalize our economy?
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Where will our next generation of leaders come from, and what impact will they have on the region?
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Will there even be a "next generation" left to care?
In February 2005, NorTech began a scenario-based project designed to coordinate a regional technology strategy for Northeast Ohio. Phase One included a series of interviews with civic and business leaders from around the region, followed by a workshop with nearly 150 participants from business, government, and the not-for-profit sector. The outcome of that workshop was a set of four scenarios that form the basis for TechFutures, a web site and weblog that make up Phase Two: an on-going strategic conversation and set of action plans by various organizations around the region.
Update: On February 14, 2006 NorTech released an interim regional technology strategy report that outlines a strategic framework for planning the region’s technology future, including recommendations for achieving a more sustainable, globally-competitive technology economy in Northeast Ohio.
The report, entitled "Navigating the Realities of the North Shore" is designed to stimulate dialogue and participation from companies and organizations throughout the region who want to build a stronger technology and innovation economy in Northeast Ohio. Action plans developed by participating organizations will be posted on the TechFutures website (www.techfutures.net).
Please visit www.techfutures.net to learn how to participate in the creating a brighter tomorrow for Northeast Ohio.