An Innovative Look At Regional Economic Development by AJ Bernhardt
I’m Adams (AJ) Bernhardt, a first year Master of Community and Regional Planning student loving all UO and Eugene has to offer. When not consumed with the Community Planning Workshop (CPW), you can find me in the Whiteaker indulging in Eugene’s microbrewery cluster, at Mt. Bachelor finding tree lines, or up in the Buttes enjoying views of the Emerald City.
Eugene, like many mid-sized cities, is faced with a challenged economy as indicated by high unemployment and low wages in comparison to the nation. Despite these statistics, the city has witnessed excitement surrounding recent economic development efforts. Anchored by the legislative proposal titled RAIN (Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network), the concept looks to facilitate regional economic growth by advancing the formation, support, growth, and retention of technology-based startups. Building on an emerging culture of innovation and research conducted at both Oregon State University and University of Oregon, the proposal is revered as an essential step in spurring high wage job creation in the South Willamette Valley Region.
Our role in CPW is to link Eugene’s proposed physical accelerator to a local network of business support programs and services. Interviews with local agencies and recent tech-based startups coupled with case study research have informed the development of an innovation network model. This model provides a framework that assists developing and growing companies within the region access crucial services surrounding financing, mentorship, networking, etc.
Through this project my understanding of the interaction between the public and private sector has become refined. I’ve become fascinated with the extensive business support structure that exists within Eugene, and the willingness and eagerness of local officials to support developing businesses. This finding in conjunction with emerging tech-clusters (Silicon Shire, EduTech) brings optimism to both the feasibility of the RAIN concept and regional economic growth.
More about the Community Planning Workshop(CPW)