Deadline Approaching For Southern Growth's Innovator Awards Nominations
Each year, Southern Growth Policies Board honors Southern initiatives
that are improving economic opportunities and quality of life in the
region. The 2009 Innovator Awards will be chosen from creative
initiatives in the region that encourage economic opportunities
relating to bio-products, alternative energy, and/or energy efficiency.
Innovator Awards are presented annually to one organization in each of
Southern Growth's thirteen member states, and winners are recognized at
Southern Growth's Annual Conference. The deadline for nominations is
October 17, 2008 so fill out a nomination form now!
Southern
Compass Articles:
Displaying 4 of 1474 articles
Innovation: Where Do the Candidates Stand? Technology and Innovation Sep 29, 2008
A new Information Technology and Innovation Policy Foundation report compares the two presidential candidates on their innovation and technology policies. The study tracks the candidates' position in eleven key areas, including tax, trade, education and workforce policies. The report notes that McCain and Obama bring different philosophies to the promotion of innovation. McCain's program seeks to create a favorable environment for private sector innovation. His primary preferred tools are tax reductions, tax credits, and limits on government regulation. By contrast, Obama is more open to deploying government as an active partner with business. He envisions expanded Federal funding for R&D and for targeted initiatives around clean energy and health information technology. Obama is also more willing to reevaluate and perhaps reorganize the Federal innovation policy system. McCain appears more willing to operate within the structure of existing Federal agencies and programs. Access the report here
Who Really Made Your Car? Globalization Sep 29, 2008
A new book from the Chicago Fed analyzes the locations shifts in automotive assembly and part suppliers in North America. The report recognizes the South's increased role in the automotive industry, where from 1979 to 2008 the number of assembly plants increased from five to 13, and that 67 percent of all parts plants opened in the South did so between 1980 and 2006. In addition to plants moving to the Southern U.S., there has been an increase in the number of imported parts. Siting Automotive News, the authors found that of the 150 largest part suppliers, U.S.-owned companies made up 108 of those companies in 1994, but only 59 in 2007. From the report: "The widespread belief is that most imports are price-sensitive generic parts that can only be produced competitively in low-wage countries. In reality, a large share of imports arriving at U.S. final assembly plants consists of engines and transmissions made by highly skilled workers in wealthy countries, such as Canada and Japan." View the brief here
Poor Economy Appears to be Slowing Illegal Immigration Community & Quality of Life Sep 29, 2008
An article in the Wall Street Journal details new Census figures and additional analysis by the Pew Hispanic Center that provide the first strong evidence that the faltering U.S. economy is helping stem the tide of illegal immigration from Mexico and Central America. Between 2000 and 2007, an average of over 550,000 foreign-born Hispanics immigrated to the U.S. In the past year, though, that number has fallen to just over 350,000. The article suggests that Hispanic immigrants are especially sensitive to downturns in the economy, due to their tendency to work in the construction field and entry-level service positions. Evidence of this is seen in Census data showing that households headed by a foreigner who is not a U.S. citizen have seen their incomes decrease by 7 percent in the past year. Such an economic downturn, in addition to decreasing immigration, may also be encouraging existing illegal immigrants to consider returning to their home countries. View the article link here
Call For a New Approach to Education Workforce Sep 29, 2008
Changing our approach to education, with the focus being 21st century skills for the workplace, is the theme of a new policy guide sponsored by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (includes SGPB member state West Virginia), the Ford Motor Company Fund, KnowledgeWorks Foundation, and the National Education Association. The 21st Century Skills, Education & Competitiveness Resource and Policy Guide warns that U.S. competitiveness requires winning the global skills race. The paper includes nine steps that help to build momentum and seven strategies for successful statewide 21st century skills implementation. Access the report here
Southern
Growth Policies Board, P.O. Box 12293, Research Triangle Park,
NC 27709
Phone: (919) 941-5145, Fax: (919) 941-5594, Email: info@southern.org
