Developing a Cluster in the Illinois Delta Region
Norman Walzer, John Gruidl, David Lamie, James Trudell and Dan Ciubancan
Project Abstract
Regional business clusters have gained attention in recent years for their potential in helping rural areas design an effective development strategy. Forming a cluster of related industries can create an environment that is attractive to businesses in the future and therefore can form an anchor for regional development. The IIRA, working with the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, has undertaken a project to identify potential business clusters currently operating within the region and determine related industries that might be attracted because of this cluster.
The project has two main components: research and implementation. The research component examines the industrial structure and assets for economic development within the region in an effort to identify potential cluster activity. This research includes location quotient analysis, shift-share, and similar approaches to narrow the number of industries.
The implementation phase will involve the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, the Southern Five Regional Planning Commission, and the Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission forming regional development groups to work with business leaders and public agencies interested in developing cluster activity in the region. These efforts must be a regional initiative with community colleges and other organizations finding a way to participate in these efforts.
This project is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration with support from each of the main groups engaged in the research. The target area includes 16 counties in southern Illinois that form the Illinois portion of the Delta Region. The expected completion date for this portion of the project is August 2003.
Deliverables from Project
Several products are expected from this project. First, a project report explaining the methods used to select potential regional business clusters will be published and disseminated. Second, regional planning commissions will organize local initiatives in which community leaders, development practitioners, business investors, and others can explore possible strategies for business cluster development. Third, organized groups focusing on cluster development will be formed within the 16 county region.
