Elements of SEMCOG’s newly approved economic development strategy, Partnering for Prosperity, were front and center when Automation Alley unveiled its 2016 Technology Industry Report before a full house last month at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
The theme of the event certainly caught everyone’s imagination – “Southeast Michigan vs. Silicon Valley,” with Ken Rogers, Automation Alley Executive Director, underscoring three game-changing messages about our region’s bright future:
- Southeast Michigan technology companies are more optimistic about their 2016 growth than their Silicon Valley counterparts;
- Southeast Michigan is a better place for technology professionals to build their careers than Silicon Valley; and
- Southeast Michigan is a better place for technology companies to do business than Silicon Valley.
The technology report features results from a survey of senior technology industry executives currently working in Southeast Michigan and Silicon Valley as well as a host of key economic indicators and employment and growth projections that compared Southeast Michigan with Silicon Valley.
Irene Spanos, Director of Economic Development and Community Affairs for Oakland County, speaks on a panel that discussed how Southeast Michigan compares to Silicon Valley.
A few challenges discussed at the event included the need to change attitudes within our region. While enterprising people embarking on new ventures may receive great encouragement in places like Silicon Valley, here we are still working on building up a culture of entrepreneurship. We also need to do a better job branding the region as a leading technology hub.
The 11 strategies of Partnering for Prosperity
Our Partnering for Prosperity economic development plan acknowledges such challenges and identifies actions for addressing them. The plan includes 11 broad-based strategies such as Marketing the Region. Marketing and branding Southeast Michigan to local and international audiences, along with Growing Entrepreneurship, will encourage entrepreneurs to take calculated risks to start and grow small businesses.
SEMCOG’s General Assembly meeting on March 24 will feature demonstrations and discussions revolving around our Advancing Innovation and Technology strategy from Partnering for Prosperity. More information on the General Assembly meeting, including event registration can be accessed on SEMCOG’s website. We hope that you’ll join us!
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