From October 15 – 21, 2023, nine representatives of the SEDE network visited Bonn, Cologne, and Stuttgart to learn about Germany’s dual education and training (Dual VET) system, aiming to expand apprenticeship in the US. During the visit, the delegation met with German economic development professionals, government officials, employer associations, unions, vocational schools, training centers, and manufacturers. This visit allowed the delegation to gain firsthand insights into Dual VET system, its policies and funding mechanisms, and which social partners were involved.

Halfway through the CREC Policy Academy, teams from six states are making progress toward aligning state and regional activities and creating long-term sustainability.

In a recent Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) webinar, representatives from Arizona, New York, and Texas highlighted the role states play in fostering the growth of the semiconductor industry.

Much like in a building, a strong foundation serves as an important base for structural change. Indeed, a sturdy foundation provides the support necessary to withstand powerful challenges and allow for process transformation and organizational growth.

A new report, The State Small Business Credit Initiative and Rebuilding the U.S. Manufacturing Base, discusses the sector’s revival and the importance of SSBCI in supporting its growth. CREC contributed to this report and this blog highlights some of the report’s key findings.

After more than a year of research, education, and limited technical assistance to support the Economic Development Administration, CREC is excited to announce six state teams that will participate together in the 2023 policy academy, Aligning State and Regional Economic Development Strategies and Actions.

Funding associated with federal recovery and investment initiatives has provided unprecedented resources to states and communities. These initiatives are expected to create benefits for people and places across the country. How will these benefits be measured? What metrics will state and local governments use to determine program effectiveness?

Incentives are part of a process, not just a point in time transaction. We can use data and analytical techniques throughout the process to make sure we are using incentives effectively and responsibly. Compliance is one of the four key elements of the incentive process in our 4×4 framework.

The 2022 National Association of Development Organization’s (NADO) Annual Training Conference held in Pittsburgh offered more than 400 attendees a strong training agenda including sessions to help economic development districts (EDDs) enhance their relationship and collaboration with state economic development partners. The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) convened a Technical Assistance (TA) Learning Lab, a panel workshop and one-on-one TA sessions with several EDDs all aimed at helping EDDs work with their state partners.

Andy Karellas, the Executive Director of the State International Development Organizations (SIDO), moderated a panel on how county leaders can engage in international economic development at the 2022 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado. The commissioners shared best practices on how they promote international engagement, including promoting U.S. exports, attracting foreign direct investment, and further integrating international trade into their county and region’s broader economic development strategy.