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The Great Lakes Region: Next Steps to 'Vault the Region Forward'

The Brookings Institution recently issued a report on the Great Lakes region, a unique economic, social, and cultural area made up of all or part of 12 states, including all of Ohio. It is home to 97 million people and, as "one of the largest industrial production centers and consumer marketplaces in the world, this highly urbanized mega-region is a vital global hub of economic activity and growth." Yet, the report warns, the region is danger as a result of global forces.

The report, The Vital Center, A Federal-State Compact to Renew the Great Lakes Region, asserts that state, regional and federal leaders must not delay in articulating a meaningful agenda to "ensure that this economic giant steps in the right direction." As the authors state, "the time is now."

The report see assets within the Great Lakes region that could "vault the region forward," including these: a strong research, innovation, and talent cultivation infrastructure; critical mass and expertise in emerging industries, from advanced manufacturing to health care; global firms and universities that are significant players in the worldwide exchange of ideas, people, products, and services; and the tremendous amenity and resource of the lakes and their waterways. The xx-page report offers detailed suggestions for using these strengths to ensure the region's future, and is well worth the read.

Find it at: http://www.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/20061020_renewgreatlakes.htm

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Created: 2008-04-08, Updated: 2008-04-08