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Knowledge Cluster Project

Knowledge Cluster Project. Knowledge Cluster Case Study University of Minnesota September 13, 2004 John S. Ostrem, President. Regional Trends. Population decline in agricultural areas Future labor force shortage. Entrepreneurial Tradition. Polaris Arctic Cat

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Knowledge Cluster Project

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  1. Knowledge Cluster Project Knowledge Cluster Case Study University of Minnesota September 13, 2004 John S. Ostrem, President

  2. Regional Trends • Population decline in agricultural areas • Future labor force shortage

  3. Entrepreneurial Tradition • Polaris • Arctic Cat • Marvin Windows • Solvay Pharmaceuticals • Dahlgren & Company • Anderson Fabrics • Mattracks • TEAM Industries

  4. Global Trends • Technological advances have created a new world marketplace • Northwest Minnesota’s competitiveness can no longer be based on access to cheap inputs (e.g. low wages or inexpensive raw materials.) • Knowledge will be the key to competitive advantage in the new global economy

  5. University of MN - Humphrey Institute • Studies on industry clusters • Northwest Minnesota recreational vehicle industry • Defined rural knowledge clusters

  6. Definition • Rural Knowledge Clusters are specialized networks of innovative interrelated firms located outside of major metropolitan areas that gain competitive advantage through the knowledge, skills, and processes embedded in their people and institutions.

  7. Original Partners • Northwest Minnesota Foundation • Headwaters Regional Development Commission • Northwest Technical College - Bemidji • Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED)

  8. Industry Interviews • Arctic Cat, Thief River Falls • Lamb Weston-RDO Frozen Foods, Park Rapids • Marvin Windows & Doors, Warroad • Polaris Corporation, Roseau • Potlatch Corporation, Bemidji • TEAM Industries, Bagley • Digi-Key Corporation, Thief River Falls

  9. Findings • Competitive advantage is imbedded in people, processes, and technologies • Skilled labor force issues are critical • Productivity is key to sustainability • Increasing demand for engineering talent • New investment capital is very important

  10. Conclusions • There are particular skills and knowledge that currently give our region its competitive advantage • The skills span a number of different industries, from wood-products and value-added agriculture to recreational vehicles • They constitute a growing field of knowledge and they are expected to have a strong future

  11. RED Principles 1. Regional alignment of private, public and nonprofit economic development efforts will maximize the state’s diverse assets and create significant advantages for business. 2. The private sector must lead economic development efforts. 3. The public sector must create an infrastructure that is responsive to business needs and opportunities, promotes broadly shared economic success and is reasonably priced.

  12. RED Principles 4. Local leadership is key to determining appropriate opportunities, maximizing local assets and sustaining economic development efforts. 5. Fully integrated education and training capabilities, responsive to emerging or existing regional employment opportunities, will maximize and sustain economic advantage in the global marketplace. 6. Building on existing assets most efficiently leverages resources available for economic development. 7. Measurements must be structured and applied in a manner that optimizes learning and our ability to adapt appropriately.

  13. Knowledge Cluster Strategies 1. Innovation • Establish a Center for Applied Engineering and Manufacturing

  14. Knowledge Cluster Strategies 2. Education and Training • Offer an applied engineering degree/graduate program • Provide career ladders for skill development and training within clusters • Offer apprenticeship, internship and scholarship programs throughout the region

  15. Knowledge Cluster Strategies 3. Business Development • Create a seed-capital fund to encourage entrepreneurship or business start-ups

  16. Knowledge Cluster Strategies 4. Marketing • Implement a targeted marketing campaign to attract and retain high-skill workers, students and businesses

  17. Lessons Learned • Early industry involvement is essential • Identify a cluster that has real potential • Seek new partners and collaborate, but expect progress to be slow. • Be willing to give up control, as long as the job is getting done. • Financial support is necessary

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