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Week of December 1 - 7, 2008 |
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Tips on the Presidential Transition Presidential
transitions are tricky things, even more so when the country is in the
midst of a war and the worst economic downturn in decades. So, the
incoming Obama Administration definitely has its hands full as it
prepares to take over the White House in January. If they are looking
for guidance, a new series of reports from the IBM Center for the
Business of Government should be helpful. The Center has published two
new books on effective transitions, and its web page includes lots of
useful reports on key management challenges such as how to encourage
green production, organizing the National Security Council, and managing
the regulatory process. The site also includes a useful blog on issues
related to the Presidential transition. |
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Entrepreneurship in the Northern Forest
The decline of the forestry industry and
other leading economic anchors has created a challenging economic
climate in the Northern regions of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and
Vermont. A new regional coalition, the Northern Forest Sustainable
Economy Initiative, is examining new solutions for revitalizing the
area’s economy. A new report contends that entrepreneurship can and
should be a critical part of the mix. Among other things, it calls for
creating a new system of innovation networks and entrepreneurial
clusters that better links regional businesses to one another and to
support programs based at local universities, non-profits and government
agencies. The report also recommends a focus on the opportunities
created by the region’s tremendous beauty and natural assets. This could
occur through efforts to promote eco-tourism, adventure recreation, and
through the development of sustainable wood industries and products. |
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Entrepreneurship Policy in the Nordic Countries Most of the Nordic
countries have been pursuing aggressive policies to promote
entrepreneurship since the early parts of this decade. A new report from
Norway’s Nordisk Innovations Center assesses how they’ve performed. The
report recognizes that Nordic nations are making major investments,
especially in areas related to R&D spending. It also notes an increasing
convergence between entrepreneurship policies and innovation policies.
Yet, at the same time, the report criticizes the absence of effective
program evaluations. There are poor linkages between researcher and
policy makers, and, even more importantly, most policies are developed
in a top-down manner where central government administrators design and
implement new programs. Policy makers must do a better job of reaching
out to entrepreneurs, and designing programs that meet their real needs
and demands. |
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Business Growth Data Argues Against Firm Recruitment
Earlier this year, NDE-news highlighted
the Edward Lowe Foundation’s business data site:
www.youreconomy.org. When first
unveiled, this free research tool could help regions track the sectoral
composition of local businesses. Recently, the Lowe Foundation updated
the site so it now contains critical information on business growth –
along with the resulting impact on jobs. While the figures vary from
region to region, they suggest that entrepreneur-centric policies to
help existing firms grow fast are more effective than traditional firm
recruitment models. |
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The $100,000 Big Idea Business Plan Contest
Do you have start-up company with great
potential? If so, you might check out Pennsylvania’s Big Idea Business
Plan Competition sponsored by the Ben Franklin Technology Partnership
Program. The contest is looking for firms with innovative ideas that are
located, or willing to relocate to, a 32 county region of Pennsylvania.
The winner will receive $100,000. The contest is open to all firms, but
the contest judges are especially interested in companies in key
technology fields. The contest is yet another interesting idea for how
states can help stimulate innovation and encourage the growth and
development of new technology start-ups. The deadline for applications
is December 17, 2008. |
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The National Federation of Independent
Business (NFIB) Young Entrepreneur Foundation has recently unveiled a
fun new on-line game called Johnny Money. The game is a free small
business simulation that can be used in classrooms or by kids working on
their own. It allows kids to set up an on-line business and make the
day-to-day decisions that often face new entrepreneurs through a fun and
exciting way to learn about the world of entrepreneurship. |
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The National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship is an initiative of the Public Forum Institute made possible by a grant from the Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City. Through NDE-news, we bring you short summaries and analyses of various trends driving entrepreneurship around the world. Subscribe now to receive your weekly copy. Archived issues are available online. |
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National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship
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All
stories © 2008 The Public Forum Institute
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