Here's Post No. 4 from Lou Glazer, the president of Ann Arbor-based Michigan Future Inc., a think-tank that is a resource of ideas for how Michigan can and should reshape its economy. Check back daily for more of Glazer's thoughts.
Post No. 1
Posted By: Lou Glazer
Posted: 1/18/2007
How to revive our
economy is Topic A. When you look at the places across the country with
the strongest economies the answer is clear: talent!
What most
distinguishes economically successful areas from Michigan is their
concentrations of talent, with talent defined as a combination of
knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship. Quite simply, in a
knowledge-driven and entrepreneurial economy, the places with the
greatest concentrations of talent win.
If you want to grow a
high prosperity economy here, the priority is to prepare, retain and
attract talent. Nothing else is close.
As we assess the assets
Michigan has to concentrate talent, our higher education system rises
to the top of the list. That is particularly true of our major research
universities. So the most important thing business, civic and political
leadership can do for the future economic success of Michigan and its
regions is to ensure the long-term success of a vibrant and agile
higher education system.