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• 1. [Article] State Economic Development Information Systems

  The expanded role of state governments in economic development has increased their need for a wide variety of economic, demographic, and marketing information. Many state governments have responded to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: State Economic Development Information Systems Author: Martin, Sheila A. Year: 1991 The expanded role of state governments in economic development has increased their need for a wide variety of economic, demographic, and marketing information. Many state governments have responded to these needs by developing systems to deliver economic and related information to state and local economic development offices, businesses, and the general public. This paper reports the results of a survey of economic development officials designed to disclose information about how extensive automated system development is, as well as to learn about system structure and operating characteristics, the quality and quantity of the data distributed, and any particular system strengths and weaknesses. A clear definition of agency goals, cooperation among state agencies, and communication with the targeted users are found to be important to the success of a development data system. Title: State Economic Development Information Systems Author: Martin, Sheila A. Year: 1991 The expanded role of state governments in economic development has increased their need for a wide variety of economic, demographic, and marketing information. Many state governments have responded to these needs by developing systems to deliver economic and related information to state and local economic development offices, businesses, and the general public. This paper reports the results of a survey of economic development officials designed to disclose information about how extensive automated system development is, as well as to learn about system structure and operating characteristics, the quality and quantity of the data distributed, and any particular system strengths and weaknesses. A clear definition of agency goals, cooperation among state agencies, and communication with the targeted users are found to be important to the success of a development data system. Close

• 2. [Article] Understanding the ONAMI Experience: Success Factors and Transferability

  A report produced in October 2008 on the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute. It examines what factors have contributed to ONAMI's organizational effectiveness and which of its characteristics ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Understanding the ONAMI Experience: Success Factors and Transferability Author: Martin, Sheila A. Year: 2008 A report produced in October 2008 on the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute. It examines what factors have contributed to ONAMI's organizational effectiveness and which of its characteristics might be transferable to other research centers. Title: Understanding the ONAMI Experience: Success Factors and Transferability Author: Martin, Sheila A. Year: 2008 A report produced in October 2008 on the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute. It examines what factors have contributed to ONAMI's organizational effectiveness and which of its characteristics might be transferable to other research centers. Close

• 3. [Article] Benefit Analysis of IGBT Power Device Simulation Modeling

  The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (NIST/EEEL) program supports the development of mathematical models for several classes of semiconductor ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Benefit Analysis of IGBT Power Device Simulation Modeling Author: Gallaher, Michael P., Martin, Sheila A. Year: 1999 The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (NIST/EEEL) program supports the development of mathematical models for several classes of semiconductor devices. This study presents the results from a microeconomic impact assessment of the development of mathematical models for the design of insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) semiconductor power devices. NIST/EEEL’s IGBT mathematical modeling program (referred to as the NIST IGBT modeling program) has led to significant economic benefits. These benefits include: improvements in R&D efficiency, decreases in transaction costs, decreases in production costs, and improvements in product quality. NIST’s activities have affected software companies, IGBT device manufacturers, and manufacturers of products that employ IGBTs (referred to as applications manufacturers). Software companies have incorporated NIST’s mathematical models into their commercial simulation modeling software. Device manufacturers, such as Harris Semiconductors and International Rectifier, and applications manufacturers, such as Ford Motor Company and General Electric, use this software to design electrical systems employing IGBTs. IGBTs are used in a wide range of applications, such as automotive ignition systems and adjustable speed drives. In the absence of NIST’s activities, industry experts stated that the availability of IGBT simulation modeling software “would have been delayed, and the modeling software developed would not have been as accurate.” This study quantifies the economic benefits associated with improvements in R&D efficiency and reductions in transaction costs. In addition, the study identifies and qualitatively describes the impact of the NIST IGBT modeling program on production costs and quality and performance of final products employing IGBTs. Title: Benefit Analysis of IGBT Power Device Simulation Modeling Author: Gallaher, Michael P., Martin, Sheila A. Year: 1999 The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (NIST/EEEL) program supports the development of mathematical models for several classes of semiconductor devices. This study presents the results from a microeconomic impact assessment of the development of mathematical models for the design of insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) semiconductor power devices. NIST/EEEL’s IGBT mathematical modeling program (referred to as the NIST IGBT modeling program) has led to significant economic benefits. These benefits include: improvements in R&D efficiency, decreases in transaction costs, decreases in production costs, and improvements in product quality. NIST’s activities have affected software companies, IGBT device manufacturers, and manufacturers of products that employ IGBTs (referred to as applications manufacturers). Software companies have incorporated NIST’s mathematical models into their commercial simulation modeling software. Device manufacturers, such as Harris Semiconductors and International Rectifier, and applications manufacturers, such as Ford Motor Company and General Electric, use this software to design electrical systems employing IGBTs. IGBTs are used in a wide range of applications, such as automotive ignition systems and adjustable speed drives. In the absence of NIST’s activities, industry experts stated that the availability of IGBT simulation modeling software “would have been delayed, and the modeling software developed would not have been as accurate.” This study quantifies the economic benefits associated with improvements in R&D efficiency and reductions in transaction costs. In addition, the study identifies and qualitatively describes the impact of the NIST IGBT modeling program on production costs and quality and performance of final products employing IGBTs. Close

• 4. [Article] Traditional and Nontraditional Data as Indicators of Economic Activity in Rural Communities

  The objective of this study was twofold: (1) to identify nontraditional sources of data that can be used to monitor economic activity in rural areas, and (2) to test the relationship between such data ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Traditional and Nontraditional Data as Indicators of Economic Activity in Rural Communities Author: McHugh, Richard, Cooper, Ronald, Martin, Sheila A., Otto, Daniel, Johnson, Stanley R. Year: 1990 The objective of this study was twofold: (1) to identify nontraditional sources of data that can be used to monitor economic activity in rural areas, and (2) to test the relationship between such data and trends in traditional measures, such as income and employment. The need for alternative sources of data arises primarily out of the inconsistent quality and availability of traditional economic data at the subs tate level. New sources of data can help reduce this metro-rural data gap and provide a fuller picture of the diverse experience and structure of subs tate economies. Two sources of nontraditional data were explored: state government administrative records, and data from local private and quasi-private companies, such as utilities and banks. In particular, banking data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, phone connection data from Northwest Bell (U.S. West), and food stamp program data were used. The data series consisted of county-level data for Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. These data were statistically compared to employment growth levels in each county. Banking data (reflecting bank Willingness and ability to lend), phone data (reflecting new household and business formations), and food stamp participation correlated significantly (though weakly) with growth. The weak correlations are expected because the nontraditional data series are generally more volatile, or erratic, than employment data series. Composite indexes were constructed from the data and correlated with the employment data series. The results showed improved correlations and suggest that such indexes may be useful as leading indicators of economic activity. Overall, the results show that there is considerable potential in the development of economic indicators from nontraditional data. Title: Traditional and Nontraditional Data as Indicators of Economic Activity in Rural Communities Author: McHugh, Richard, Cooper, Ronald, Martin, Sheila A., Otto, Daniel, Johnson, Stanley R. Year: 1990 The objective of this study was twofold: (1) to identify nontraditional sources of data that can be used to monitor economic activity in rural areas, and (2) to test the relationship between such data and trends in traditional measures, such as income and employment. The need for alternative sources of data arises primarily out of the inconsistent quality and availability of traditional economic data at the subs tate level. New sources of data can help reduce this metro-rural data gap and provide a fuller picture of the diverse experience and structure of subs tate economies. Two sources of nontraditional data were explored: state government administrative records, and data from local private and quasi-private companies, such as utilities and banks. In particular, banking data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, phone connection data from Northwest Bell (U.S. West), and food stamp program data were used. The data series consisted of county-level data for Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. These data were statistically compared to employment growth levels in each county. Banking data (reflecting bank Willingness and ability to lend), phone data (reflecting new household and business formations), and food stamp participation correlated significantly (though weakly) with growth. The weak correlations are expected because the nontraditional data series are generally more volatile, or erratic, than employment data series. Composite indexes were constructed from the data and correlated with the employment data series. The results showed improved correlations and suggest that such indexes may be useful as leading indicators of economic activity. Overall, the results show that there is considerable potential in the development of economic indicators from nontraditional data. Close

• 5. [Article] Eco-Industrial Parks: A Case Study and Analysis of Economic, Environmental, Technical, and Regulatory Issues

  Despite a growing interest in and awareness of applications of industrial ecology (IE), such as eco-industrial parks (EIPs), little information is available about the potential economic and environmental ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Eco-Industrial Parks: A Case Study and Analysis of Economic, Environmental, Technical, and Regulatory Issues Author: Martin, Sheila A., Weitz, Keith A., Cushman, Robert A., Sharma, Aarti, Lindrooth, Richard C., Moran, Stephen R. Year: 1996 Despite a growing interest in and awareness of applications of industrial ecology (IE), such as eco-industrial parks (EIPs), little information is available about the potential economic and environmental benefits of EIPs, the process for successful EIP development, the important regulatory issues surrounding EIPs, or the technologies needed to support them. This report contains the results of a body of research intended to investigate and support the development of EIPs—communities of companies modeled after industrial ecosystems. EIPs can exist within defined boundaries and broader industrial ecosystems in a region. These communities consciously collaborate to enhance their economic performance through improved environmental performance. Their design is based, in part, on an understanding of the dynamics of natural systems and includes features such as conversion of wastes into valuable inputs, cogeneration of energy, shared environmental infrastructure, and the minimization of material throughput. Title: Eco-Industrial Parks: A Case Study and Analysis of Economic, Environmental, Technical, and Regulatory Issues Author: Martin, Sheila A., Weitz, Keith A., Cushman, Robert A., Sharma, Aarti, Lindrooth, Richard C., Moran, Stephen R. Year: 1996 Despite a growing interest in and awareness of applications of industrial ecology (IE), such as eco-industrial parks (EIPs), little information is available about the potential economic and environmental benefits of EIPs, the process for successful EIP development, the important regulatory issues surrounding EIPs, or the technologies needed to support them. This report contains the results of a body of research intended to investigate and support the development of EIPs—communities of companies modeled after industrial ecosystems. EIPs can exist within defined boundaries and broader industrial ecosystems in a region. These communities consciously collaborate to enhance their economic performance through improved environmental performance. Their design is based, in part, on an understanding of the dynamics of natural systems and includes features such as conversion of wastes into valuable inputs, cogeneration of energy, shared environmental infrastructure, and the minimization of material throughput. Close

• 6. [Article] Values & Beliefs

  hat values are commonn to residents of the metroscape? Sheila Martin and Carlolyn N. Long examine recent survey results on topics ranging from government priorities to economic development.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Values & Beliefs Author: Martin, Sheila A., Long, Carolyn N. Year: 2015 hat values are commonn to residents of the metroscape? Sheila Martin and Carlolyn N. Long examine recent survey results on topics ranging from government priorities to economic development. Title: Values & Beliefs Author: Martin, Sheila A., Long, Carolyn N. Year: 2015 hat values are commonn to residents of the metroscape? Sheila Martin and Carlolyn N. Long examine recent survey results on topics ranging from government priorities to economic development. Close

• 7. [Article] Output-Based Performance Measures for the North Carolina Alliance for Competitive Technologies

  The North Carolina Alliance for Competitive Technologies (NC ACTs) is an organization operated by the state of North Carolina to coordinate technology development and, deployment activities in the state. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Output-Based Performance Measures for the North Carolina Alliance for Competitive Technologies Author: Martin, Sheila A. Year: 1994 The North Carolina Alliance for Competitive Technologies (NC ACTs) is an organization operated by the state of North Carolina to coordinate technology development and, deployment activities in the state. The mission of NC ACTs is to apply innovation, technology, and technical resources to promote economic growth in the state. NC ACTs will operate as a central, strategic organization to guide existing resources and to develop new resources when necessary. To accomplish its mission, NC ACTs must coordinate institutions and organizations that currently offer technology development and deployment into a rational, customer-driven system that measures and rewards results. Timely, reliable assessment and evaluative feedback will be essential to managing these programs effectively. A well-designed system for performance assessment and evaluation can fill a number of management needs (Shapira, Youtie, and Roessner, 1994): Monitoring the progress of NC ACTs and its components in accomplishing their missions; Measuring and improving customer satisfaction; Identifying the most promising strategies and understanding why they are effective; Rewarding and reinforcing positive results; Allocating resources to their most effective uses; and Demonstrating accountability and value to program sponsors. The design of an evaluation plan is critical in public institutions. While sponsors of public programs demand measures of performance and effectiveness, typical market indicators of success (i.e., market share, profit, stock price) are not applicable. Therefore, the evaluation plan must use credible techniques, reliable data, and consistent methodologies without draining organizational resources. To meet these standards, an evaluation plan must be developed during the genesis of the organization. Early assessment allows program managers to adopt the evaluation system as part of the overall management strategy and provides data for program assessment at critical early stages of operation. For this reason, NC ACTs has designed an output-based performance measurement system as part of the NC ACTs operating plan for its first year. The remainder of this paper discusses our plans for measuring the effectiveness of NC ACTs. Some features of the evaluation design are typical of the data collection efforts being conducted by many of the Manufacturing Technology Centers (MTC’s) and Manufacturing Outreach Centers (MOC’s). However, due to the unique design and mission of NC ACTs, we have deviated somewhat from the usual set of performance metrics for technology deployment organizations. This paper focuses on two of those features: measuring organizational influence and measuring technological influence. The second section contains a discussion of the overall design of the data collection, analysis, and reporting system being planned for NC ACTs. The third section focuses on how NC ACTs will measure its influence on the quality and direction of the technology services available in the state of North Carolina. The fourth section discusses a strategy for analyzing the influence of NC ACTs on the use of efficient core technologies emphasizing environmental technologies. The final section contains a summary. Title: Output-Based Performance Measures for the North Carolina Alliance for Competitive Technologies Author: Martin, Sheila A. Year: 1994 The North Carolina Alliance for Competitive Technologies (NC ACTs) is an organization operated by the state of North Carolina to coordinate technology development and, deployment activities in the state. The mission of NC ACTs is to apply innovation, technology, and technical resources to promote economic growth in the state. NC ACTs will operate as a central, strategic organization to guide existing resources and to develop new resources when necessary. To accomplish its mission, NC ACTs must coordinate institutions and organizations that currently offer technology development and deployment into a rational, customer-driven system that measures and rewards results. Timely, reliable assessment and evaluative feedback will be essential to managing these programs effectively. A well-designed system for performance assessment and evaluation can fill a number of management needs (Shapira, Youtie, and Roessner, 1994): Monitoring the progress of NC ACTs and its components in accomplishing their missions; Measuring and improving customer satisfaction; Identifying the most promising strategies and understanding why they are effective; Rewarding and reinforcing positive results; Allocating resources to their most effective uses; and Demonstrating accountability and value to program sponsors. The design of an evaluation plan is critical in public institutions. While sponsors of public programs demand measures of performance and effectiveness, typical market indicators of success (i.e., market share, profit, stock price) are not applicable. Therefore, the evaluation plan must use credible techniques, reliable data, and consistent methodologies without draining organizational resources. To meet these standards, an evaluation plan must be developed during the genesis of the organization. Early assessment allows program managers to adopt the evaluation system as part of the overall management strategy and provides data for program assessment at critical early stages of operation. For this reason, NC ACTs has designed an output-based performance measurement system as part of the NC ACTs operating plan for its first year. The remainder of this paper discusses our plans for measuring the effectiveness of NC ACTs. Some features of the evaluation design are typical of the data collection efforts being conducted by many of the Manufacturing Technology Centers (MTC’s) and Manufacturing Outreach Centers (MOC’s). However, due to the unique design and mission of NC ACTs, we have deviated somewhat from the usual set of performance metrics for technology deployment organizations. This paper focuses on two of those features: measuring organizational influence and measuring technological influence. The second section contains a discussion of the overall design of the data collection, analysis, and reporting system being planned for NC ACTs. The third section focuses on how NC ACTs will measure its influence on the quality and direction of the technology services available in the state of North Carolina. The fourth section discusses a strategy for analyzing the influence of NC ACTs on the use of efficient core technologies emphasizing environmental technologies. The final section contains a summary. Close

• 8. [Article] Economic Impact of Standard Reference Materials for Sulfur in Fossil Fuels

  The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) promotes U.S. economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements, and standards. Through its Office of Standard ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Economic Impact of Standard Reference Materials for Sulfur in Fossil Fuels Author: Martin, Sheila A., Gallaher, Michael P., O'Connor, Alan C. Year: 2000 The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) promotes U.S. economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements, and standards. Through its Office of Standard Reference Materials, NIST is authorized to certify and sell standard reference materials (SRMs) that help users engaged in commerce or research link their measurements to NIST. Developed by NIST’s Technical Laboratories, SRMs are materials certified for their chemical composition or physical properties. As emerging regulations increase the importance of the sulfur content of fossil fuels, NIST is expanding its SRM program to include SRMs for measuring sulfur in the low-sulfur fuels required to meet these regulations. The development of an SRM employs NIST’s unique expertise in measurement. A NIST-certified SRM carries with it the full weight and authority of NIST and the U.S. Department of Commerce. This study estimates the economic impact of NIST SRMs for sulfur in fossil fuels. SRMs play a key role in the National Measurement System for Analytical Chemistry. They serve as national primary chemical standards and are used as calibrants and as quality assurance materials to evaluate measurement accuracy, to intercalibrate laboratories in a measurement program, and to provide compatibility of measurement data (Taylor, 1993). The absence of SRMs as primary chemical standards would weaken the entire measurement system. SRMs help users verify the accuracy of measurement methods or calibrate measurement systems. NIST SRMs greatly improve measurement accuracy by reducing the uncertainty of measurement. These improvements enhance the products and services of the measurement industry, such as testing laboratories and analytical equipment manufacturers. More accurate sulfur content information also reduces the likelihood of disputes between sellers and purchasers of fossil fuels, such as coal companies and electric utilities. Other benefits include better production efficiency for the petroleum industry and lower sulfur emissions to the environment. This study quantifies a portion of the economic benefits associated with sulfur SRMs. Included in the measures of economic benefits are improvements in product quality, production efficiency, and reductions in transaction costs and sulfur dioxide emissions to the environment. In addition, the study identifies and qualitatively describes the impact of NIST SRMs on other less tangible areas, such as research and development programs. Title: Economic Impact of Standard Reference Materials for Sulfur in Fossil Fuels Author: Martin, Sheila A., Gallaher, Michael P., O'Connor, Alan C. Year: 2000 The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) promotes U.S. economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements, and standards. Through its Office of Standard Reference Materials, NIST is authorized to certify and sell standard reference materials (SRMs) that help users engaged in commerce or research link their measurements to NIST. Developed by NIST’s Technical Laboratories, SRMs are materials certified for their chemical composition or physical properties. As emerging regulations increase the importance of the sulfur content of fossil fuels, NIST is expanding its SRM program to include SRMs for measuring sulfur in the low-sulfur fuels required to meet these regulations. The development of an SRM employs NIST’s unique expertise in measurement. A NIST-certified SRM carries with it the full weight and authority of NIST and the U.S. Department of Commerce. This study estimates the economic impact of NIST SRMs for sulfur in fossil fuels. SRMs play a key role in the National Measurement System for Analytical Chemistry. They serve as national primary chemical standards and are used as calibrants and as quality assurance materials to evaluate measurement accuracy, to intercalibrate laboratories in a measurement program, and to provide compatibility of measurement data (Taylor, 1993). The absence of SRMs as primary chemical standards would weaken the entire measurement system. SRMs help users verify the accuracy of measurement methods or calibrate measurement systems. NIST SRMs greatly improve measurement accuracy by reducing the uncertainty of measurement. These improvements enhance the products and services of the measurement industry, such as testing laboratories and analytical equipment manufacturers. More accurate sulfur content information also reduces the likelihood of disputes between sellers and purchasers of fossil fuels, such as coal companies and electric utilities. Other benefits include better production efficiency for the petroleum industry and lower sulfur emissions to the environment. This study quantifies a portion of the economic benefits associated with sulfur SRMs. Included in the measures of economic benefits are improvements in product quality, production efficiency, and reductions in transaction costs and sulfur dioxide emissions to the environment. In addition, the study identifies and qualitatively describes the impact of NIST SRMs on other less tangible areas, such as research and development programs. Close

• 9. [Article] A Framework for Estimating the National Economic Benefits of ATP Funding of Medical Technologies

  The Economic Assessment Office (EAO) of the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) seeks to measure the economic impacts of ATP’s funding of high-risk, enabling technologies and also to increase understanding ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Framework for Estimating the National Economic Benefits of ATP Funding of Medical Technologies Author: Martin, Sheila A., Winfield, Daniel L., Kenyon, Anne E., Farris, John R., Bala, Mohan V., Bingham, Tayler H. Year: 1998 The Economic Assessment Office (EAO) of the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) seeks to measure the economic impacts of ATP’s funding of high-risk, enabling technologies and also to increase understanding of underlying relationships between technological change and economic phenomena, to further the program’s ability to achieve its mission. To this end, the EAO compiles data, conducts economic studies, and commissions studies by outside research organizations and economists. The study described by this report was carried out by the Center for Economics Research at Research Triangle Institute (RTI), under contract to the ATP. The RTI study was intended to achieve four goals: to estimate potential benefits of an inclusive portfolio group of ATP projects; to perform seven case studies within the portfolio group using a consistent methodology; to develop an evaluation framework that ATP could consider for possible adoption—for evaluating a wide variety of technologies with medical applications; and to inform the emergent ATP focused program in tissue engineering of the potential for economic benefit in this technology field. The four goals were largely achieved by the study. A case study approach was taken, one of a multiple of evaluation techniques used by the ATP. Case study entails detailed investigation of projects to evaluate technical accomplishments, commercialization progress, the role played by the ATP, and economic outcomes. Since ATP-funded projects are in relatively early-stage research and development, assessment of potential economic outcomes depends necessarily on numerous projections and estimates for future conditions; understandably, this part of the analysis entails considerable uncertainty. Title: A Framework for Estimating the National Economic Benefits of ATP Funding of Medical Technologies Author: Martin, Sheila A., Winfield, Daniel L., Kenyon, Anne E., Farris, John R., Bala, Mohan V., Bingham, Tayler H. Year: 1998 The Economic Assessment Office (EAO) of the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) seeks to measure the economic impacts of ATP’s funding of high-risk, enabling technologies and also to increase understanding of underlying relationships between technological change and economic phenomena, to further the program’s ability to achieve its mission. To this end, the EAO compiles data, conducts economic studies, and commissions studies by outside research organizations and economists. The study described by this report was carried out by the Center for Economics Research at Research Triangle Institute (RTI), under contract to the ATP. The RTI study was intended to achieve four goals: to estimate potential benefits of an inclusive portfolio group of ATP projects; to perform seven case studies within the portfolio group using a consistent methodology; to develop an evaluation framework that ATP could consider for possible adoption—for evaluating a wide variety of technologies with medical applications; and to inform the emergent ATP focused program in tissue engineering of the potential for economic benefit in this technology field. The four goals were largely achieved by the study. A case study approach was taken, one of a multiple of evaluation techniques used by the ATP. Case study entails detailed investigation of projects to evaluate technical accomplishments, commercialization progress, the role played by the ATP, and economic outcomes. Since ATP-funded projects are in relatively early-stage research and development, assessment of potential economic outcomes depends necessarily on numerous projections and estimates for future conditions; understandably, this part of the analysis entails considerable uncertainty. Close

• 10. [Article] Profiling Rural America: A Guide to Data Sources and Analytical Techniques

  Evaluating the economic conditions of local economies is an important input to the decisions of policymakers, firms, and individuals. General impressions of the condition of national or state economies ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Profiling Rural America: A Guide to Data Sources and Analytical Techniques Author: Martin, Sheila A., McHugh, Richard Year: 1991 Evaluating the economic conditions of local economies is an important input to the decisions of policymakers, firms, and individuals. General impressions of the condition of national or state economies obtained from aggregate data often mask important subs tate differences in economic performance. State economic profiles are useful tools for presenting the dynamics of substate economic change. Because their economic conditions and environments can be very different, rural and urban areas are often compared in such profiles. This report describes the major components of a complete economic profile, with special emphasis on rural-urban comparisons. A catalog of data sources and a discussion of their value and potential abuses is provided. Techniques for deriving and interpreting meaningful information from the data are also presented. Title: Profiling Rural America: A Guide to Data Sources and Analytical Techniques Author: Martin, Sheila A., McHugh, Richard Year: 1991 Evaluating the economic conditions of local economies is an important input to the decisions of policymakers, firms, and individuals. General impressions of the condition of national or state economies obtained from aggregate data often mask important subs tate differences in economic performance. State economic profiles are useful tools for presenting the dynamics of substate economic change. Because their economic conditions and environments can be very different, rural and urban areas are often compared in such profiles. This report describes the major components of a complete economic profile, with special emphasis on rural-urban comparisons. A catalog of data sources and a discussion of their value and potential abuses is provided. Techniques for deriving and interpreting meaningful information from the data are also presented. Close