Future Jobs

What are some of the leading future careers likely to emerge over the next 10+ years? According to the World Future Society's (WFS) "Forecasts for the Next 25 Years," here are some new ones to look for: artificial intelligence technician, aquaculturist, bionic medical technician, computational linguist, cryonics technician, electronic mail technician, image consultant, information broker, job developer (hey is that an economic developer?), relocation counselor, retirement consultant, shyness consultant, software club director, underwater archaeologist, and horticulture therapist.

To learn more about these job forecasts and other forecasts, visit the WFS website . Look for some big changes in the labor market right around the corner.

The Economy?

How will the economy treat us this year? Economists at Economy.com say it will be a 3 percent growth year, which is not too bad. The economy is gaining some strength, despite weakening consumer spending. Most economists see the Iraqi conflict and the federal fiscal stimulus package as the Big Two Drivers at this stage. Resolution of the conflict and passage of the stimulus deal are seen as essential to jumpstarting growth in 2003. Business investment levels are expected to remain fairly low this year, which is not what economic developers want to hear, but that is the most likely scenario at this stage.

Is the economy treating men or women better at this point? A recent analysis by Economy.com says women are faring better. Men have lost 1.26 million jobs since the beginning of the recession, while women have lost only 363,000. While women account for about one-half of the labor force, they have endured only 22% of net job losses. Moreover, in the few industries that have actually grown, women’s gains have far outstripped men’s gains. Check out the story here . I think you will find it to be of interest.

Scenario-planning has returned to the business and economic strategy worlds. Check out the "what if's" discussed in WEFA's latest report. You can find a free summary at: www.wefa.com. This is a time for considering alternative futures. This is the message I will be giving at my January 13 keynote speech in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We will be posting the speech shortly after January 13 on our website at: www.don-iannone.com. Economic development organizations can use scenario planning to improve their view of the future. Give us a call and we will tell you how" 440-449-0753.

Economic Freedom?

Concerned about economic freedom? I think all of us are on one level or another. The issue is certainly more relevant as we look at the growing turmoil found in many world regions today.

Is anyone doing research on the issue of economic freedom. Yes! Who? Do you recall the name of the organization that brought the idea for "enterprise zones" to America in the 1980s? That was the Heritage Foundation. Since the early 1990s, the Heritage Foundation, in cooperation with The Wall Street Journal, has sponsored an annual World Economic Freedom Index that rates various nations in their efforts to preserve and advance economic freedom.

The report is yours for free. Simply drop by the Heritage Foundation website and download the 456-page report. (Nearly a 6 MB file.) It's full of interesting and thought-provoking ideas.

It occurred to me in reviewing the report that local economic development as we know it would not be possible if we did not have the "economic freedom" that we have. Any economic development organization hoping to strengthen its international business development program should review this report.

As they say, "think globally, act locally."

Economic Development E-Portals

Looking for good examples of "regional e-portals for economic development?" Take a look at what the West Midlands region in the UK is doing. What's cool about it? It is built around the region's best future growth prospects. It is industry-focused and provides useful information about the West Midland's target industries and clusters. The website provides very good information for businesses and it is also effective in supporting regional marketing efforts. Check it out at http://www.2wm.co.uk/ . As we turn up other good examples, we will pass them along.