Raising the Bar Together: Successful Strategies for Workforce and Economic Development Collaboration

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest independent non-profit membership organization devoted exclusively to the field of economic development announced today the release of its research report, “Raising the Bar Together: Successful Strategies for Workforce and Economic Development Collaboration.” The extensive report was produced under the guidance of IEDC’s Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP) program that serves as a think-tank within the organization.

A community’s workforce is of fundamental importance for economic growth. To meet the needs of today’s companies, and to sufficiently educate workers for the demands of the knowledge economy, economic development organizations must collaborate with workforce development organizations and other stakeholders, including their partners in business and education. IEDC’s paper, “Raising the Bar Together: Successful Strategies for Workforce and Economic Development Collaboration” distills best practices in collaborative efforts that leverage the strengths and resources of all partners to create a sustainable labor force.

The report features five case studies ranging from the state, local, and regional levels, as well as rural and urban. The case studies show the essential role that EDOs play in driving collaborative efforts in sector-based strategies, and illustrate three other recommendations for effective collaborations. These recommendations are:

• Adopt  a shared vision and different metrics
• Organize and collaborate with partners in education and business
• Structure partnerships effectively

The report is available via download to IEDC members free of charge and for sale in print to nonmembers at $35.00. Recognized media should contact Erin Way for a free copy of the Executive Summary or full report.