Here’s a new report from the Seedco Policy Center that goes in depth on linking workforce development and economic development. As the executive summary mentions, the report “details opportunities—and cautions against pitfalls—
commonly encountered by those attempting to link two complementary but very different systems.”
The study does an admirable job outlining the different natures, purposes, and goals that ED and WD possess, as well drawing broader principles from real-life case studies, thus avoiding both ditches that befall these kinds of studies: either falling into a disjointed morass of details, or falling into vague platitudes with no reality checks. It is not exhaustive (it features examples drawn from three states: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Illinois), and its study time frame was from 2006-07. But instead of detracting from its merits, it shows a profitable direction for further study.
For more, check out Brian Kelsey’s blog post on the report here.