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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
Evaluation of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center Program.
Evaluation of Ohio’s Thomas Edison Technology Centers. Mt. Auburn Associates led an evaluation team that included Brian Bosworth, Arthur D. Little, Inc., and Brandon Roberts+Associates, in examining the appropriateness, effectiveness, and efficiency of the operations of the state’s Edison Centers, three of which were centered in Northeast Ohio at the time. The Centers are state-supported, university-industry-government consortia whose mission is to promote economic development through linking the needs of Ohio manufacturers for technology development and transfer with the expertise resident in the state’s research institutions. The project methodology included a survey of Center users, on-site visits, and document review. The final report, prepared for the Ohio Department of Development, provided recommendations for improving the operations of each Center and the Edison Center Program as a whole.
Preliminary Analysis of Feasibility of Science and Technology Building at Fitchburg State College.
