Economic Development Strategy, Planning, and Evaluation
Mt. Auburn provides a full range of consulting services in the field of economic development analysis and strategy. Working with a variety of public and private organizations, the firm creates effective economic development policies and programs that promote economic growth and stability, job generation, and the improved functioning of capital markets.
about us
higher education
Through our years of experience as economic development practitioners, Mt. Auburn Associates has developed a deep respect for the impact higher education institutions can have on regional economic competitiveness. For both higher education institutions and the region to reap the maximum benefits of their symbiotic relationship, they must develop a joint understanding of the existing economic contributions of the institution to the region’s economic competitiveness and together develop strategies to deepen the linkages between the institution and the region.
Mt. Auburn assesses higher education’s contribution to the regional economy within three broad areas:
-
Improving the quality of the regional workforce. Most obviously, higher education is a supplier of highly-skilled knowledge workers. In addition, the institution may be involved as a trainer through workforce development programs and as a retainer of talent through internship and co-op programs that encourage students to seek employment locally.
-
Strengthening the vibrancy of the business base. Higher education’s role as an employer and purchaser has a direct impact on the regional economy. In addition, higher education can be a source of business development as entrepreneurs spin-off ideas originated within the institution. Higher education institutions can play a role of advisor, transferring expertise to the regional economy through small business assistance, manufacturing competitiveness programs, or economic development capacity. Lastly, higher education can be a factor in community revitalization through its contribution to the housing market, neighborhood revitalization, and downtown redevelopment.
-
Generating a better quality of life for all who live and work in the region. By opening its cultural and recreational amenities to the wider community, higher education enhances the region’s civic infrastructure. The institution and its faculty play a role in civic leadership, whether as a participator, investor, or convener of community organizations, adding to the quality of life.
representative projects
Berkshire Compact for Higher Education completed for the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. The Berkshire Compact for Higher Education was a year-long effort to increase the percentage of Berkshire County residents who have a higher education degree. Currently, the percentage of County residents with a higher education degrees falls below that of the state, and for the County’s low-income residents, the percentage is dramatically lower. The Compact argues that a higher education degree has many benefits – for the competitiveness of the regional economy, for earnings and wages of residents, and for the County’s ability to attract new technology-based employers.
The Compact was spearheaded by the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, with research, writing, and facilitation support from Mt. Auburn Associates. The Compact was overseen by a Steering Committee of employers, educators, municipal officials, state legislators, and leaders from the County’s principal cultural organizations and enterprises. The Compact outlines four major goals: raising the aspirations of residents to view 16 years of schooling as the new educational norm; improving access to higher education, particularly among low income residents; making Berkshire County residents among the most educated and highly-skilled workers in new technology and technology applications; and, developing new partnerships and programs among County employers and higher education institutions. Specific strategies were also developed for each of the goals.
Evaluation of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center Program.
Evaluation of Ohio’s Thomas Edison Technology Centers.
Preliminary Analysis of Feasibility of Science and Technology Building at Fitchburg State College.
