Episode 11: Empowering Regional Sustainable Development: The Rise of Evidence-Based, Bottom-up Policy w/Mark Muro​

In this week’s episode, Matt and his guest Mark Muro from the Brookings Institution delve into the transformative journey of place-based strategies in American economic policy. They discuss the evolution from early conceptual models to their current role as foundational elements in significant federal legislation aimed at revitalizing manufacturing ecosystems and enhancing national competitiveness. The conversation highlights the importance of evidence-based interventions, bipartisan support, and the adaptability of regional economic development initiatives. Mark and Matt emphasize the critical role of community engagement and tailored approaches to address the unique challenges and opportunities of different regions. They advocate for continued support, funding, and evaluation of these strategies to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability in promoting economic growth and innovation. 

This episode serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, evidence-based policy, and the enduring value of focusing on local strengths and needs in national economic development efforts, in other words, we can make it happen together! 

Tune in, subscribe, and contribute as we continue to delve into the stories shaping American manufacturing today! New episodes are released every two weeks!

AMCC’s podcast is made possible in part by the pro bono expertise of Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Are you part of an association also looking to produce a podcast? Let us get you in touch with Mike.

Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for their partnership in producing this podcast. This podcast was prepared in part using Federal funds under award 3070145 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Big Concept:

The fast-paced evolution and impact of evidence-based, place-based strategies for improving American manufacturing ecosystems, which emphasize the shift towards regional, bottom-up solutions and the role of new federal interventions in reinforcing these approaches.

Participants:

• Mark Muro: Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution and longtime thought leader on place-based development
• Matt Bogoshian: Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative and host of the podcast.

📢 Unique Insights from Mark:

• The Long Yet Promising Road Ahead: Mark identifies a critical gap between the excitement for new federal interventions and the reality of their long-term funding and sustainability.
• Regional Leadership Matters: Mark underscores the necessity of civics in policy implementation, suggesting that localized, community-driven efforts are more effective and sustainable than broad national programs.
• Getting to Kitchen Tables: Mark’s discussion on workforce development emphasizes the importance of reaching out to communities and engaging with educational systems to inspire future participation in manufacturing, reflecting a strategic approach to developing a skilled workforce for the 21st century.

💡 Key Ideas:

• • Evolution of Place-Based Strategies: Over the years, from early experiments within the Obama administration to recent bipartisan support for significant legislation, place-based strategies have gained traction as effective means to address regional and national economic challenges.
  • Evidence-Based Interventions: The emphasis on data and evidence to guide policy and interventions, with a focus on manufacturing and supply chains, highlights the evolution towards more grounded and practical approaches to economic development.
  • Federal Interventions and Funding: Recent federal legislation, including the Infrastructure Bill, ARPA, Chips and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, has significantly increased the scale and scope of support for place-based, regional economic development initiatives.
  • The Role of Community and Regional Dynamics: The discussion underscores the uniqueness of each region’s stakeholders, resources, and challenges, advocating for tailored approaches to economic development that leverage local strengths and address specific needs.
  • The Importance of Continuity and Evaluation: There’s a call for ongoing support and assessment of these initiatives to ensure they adapt and remain effective over time, reflecting a nuanced understanding of economic development as a complex, evolving process.

🔗Links:

• Connect with Mark Muro on Linkedin.
• Follow AMCC
• Find Matt on Linkedin
• Visit our website