An Economic Development Education Agenda for the 1990s

Abstract

Economic development has evolved as a legitimate professional discipline. A profession is only as good as the educational foundation upon which it rests. This article sets forth an agenda for strengthening the economic development education network as we enter the last decade of this century. It calls for actions to (1) modify the curriculum for practitioners, (2) alter the education delivery system, and (3) expand the audience for economic development education. More emphasis must be placed on incorporating economic development within broader community development undertakings, if "no-growth" backlash movements are to be avoided. Advanced technologies must be employed to deliver educational offerings more efficiently to rural economic developers. Universities must be encouraged to offer more degree programs in economic development. A broadly based community education program is needed if the general public is to gain a better understanding of the services performed by economic developers.