How
The Regional Innovation Grant (RIG) provides seed funding to launch the planning, research, and development for regional transformation under the WIRED approach. The $250,000 grant funds the deliverables identified by the core leadership group as part of a six-step WIRED framework advocated by the Department of Labor.
Asset Mapping: The Council on Competitiveness model for asset mapping is the ideal framework with the highest level of proven successes in numerous WIRED initiatives and region-based strategic planning projects. This research also benchmarks the region’s economic competitiveness.
Industry Sector Partnership Development: Business leaders from targeted industry sectors in partnership with each other and with workforce/economic development organizations ensure a demand-driven approach to strengthening the sectors and their contribution to the local economy.
Sector Competency Framework: Replicating the Labor Department’s Sector Competency Framework for Advanced Manufacturing into other targeted sectors will help guide workers and trainers to provide the workforce skills for the future.
Shared Youth Vision: In tune with developments at the federal level, local WIB leaders sense the RIG/WIRED approach as an opportunity to address ways to best serve youth with integrated workforce, education, and economic development systems. Northwest Arkansas has progressed in this effort and has expertise to share. The WIRED approach can proactively identify and elevate successful models to replicate across the quad-state region.
Regional Branding: An assumption that may be validated by asset mapping is that no strong branding exists among the groups or counties within state corners, let alone the broader region. Transcending two WIRED framework steps, the RIG seeks to identify and advance a branding strategy to position the quad-state area for global competition.
Multi-Modal Feasibility Analysis: As the site of the O’Sullivan factory closure that triggers federal eligibility for the RIG, Lamar/Barton County has underutilized rail assets adjacent to a four-lane highway slated for interstate status in the future. Community leaders have targeted these assets for a potential multi-modal transportation hub. This strategy helps develop growth sectors in areas such as warehousing, logistics, and waste reclamation. The RIG would procure specialized economic development consulting/expertise to facilitate both the regional branding and the multi-modal analysis.
Transformation Plan: The crown jewel of RIG deliverables is the master plan for economic transformation of the quad-state region. More than just a document, this collection of transformation strategies identified from the SWOT analysis and regional visioning will become a living covenant that unites the quad-state area around gains in competitiveness and pride in the origins of the economic assets. Titled something like the “Quad States Transformation Compact”, this accord seeks endorsements from local governmental jurisdictions, business associations, civic organizations, and others, to prepare the economy to thrive in the present and provide prosperity for future generations.
How do I get involved? Browse the Quad-States Regional Transformation Website at www.qsrt.org for more information on specific activities and opportunities for involvement. Questions and comments may also be directed to Jasen Jones, Executive Director for the Southwest Missouri WIB, by email to ceo@workforcezone.net or by phone at (417) 206-1717, Ext. 224.
More detailed information on the design of QSRT:
