Bruce Katz and Jennifer Bradley co-authored a new book, The Metropolitan Revolution, published by Brookings Institution Press on June 17th. The book is about Northeast Ohio's revolution to become a network that sustains economic prosperity. Since the release, Katz and Bradley have been traveling across the nation on a tour, talking with reporters and stakeholders about the process underway around Cleveland. Below are some excerpts from their book.
"Metropolitan areas are so big, complicated and diverse that they don't need heroes. They need networks."
"Enter Voices and Choices, a two-year effort to develop a regional economic competitiveness agenda for Northeast Ohio. Throughout 2005 and 2006, the Fund connected with more than 20,000 residents of the region in one-on-one interviews, town meetings and workshops about the region's assets, challenges and priorities. With these insights gathered, Fund collaborators were able to distill four goals to guide regional action: business growth, talent development, racial and economic inclusion, and government collaboration and efficiency."
"Stakeholders in the region started BioEnterprise, a non-profit that helps inventors connect with experienced managers, venture capitalists, production facilities, other inventors, state and federal grants and whatever else they need to build their company."
"The Fund estimates that, during its first nine years, the work of its grantees helped add 10,500 jobs, $333 million in payrolls and $1.9 billion in investments to the region."
"Too many metros are still looking for the next Bill Gates, Michael Dell or Mark Zukerberg. But there is a growing appreciation for the power of networks, and we need look no further than Northeast Ohio to see why. These efforts to use networks to bring about a new economy - built on the foundations of the old economy - are aligned with powerful social, economic and cultural forces."
To listen to a podcast of Bruce Katz talk about the book and its findings on NPR's "All Things Considered," click here.