Escanaba City Council Meeting (August 1, 2024): Energy Independence, Super One, Events, and Fanticies

An abundance of interesting things going on in this meeting. I just put together a few key points below I thought were more or less beneficial to discuss. This is a town that is on the upswing and has been reversing its trends of decline over the past few decades. It is now a growth oriented with a plethora of activity and media buzz. Post COVID provides opportunities to discover the emerging investment and vacation destinations within our own neck of the woods. 

1. Power Supply: Energy Independence

There was a discussion on batteries and that is interesting because they can provide some level of protection from future projected blackouts as the national power grid struggles to take on new electrification of our society (Notice a need for locations to have localized energy sources if possible). If we can add a new power supply to solar or wind that feeds the local system first (at a cheaper rate hopefully) it would create sustainable energy independence. The questions of how much power is available as well as the overall costs of that power would naturally arise. Assuming the financial numbers make sense, I would see the benefit of a project like this. As a next step Delta County, Escanaba, Gladstone and surrounding might consider finding alternative energy sources that are focused on providing local energy before putting it out to the wider grid (Spoof on Electricity). 

Businesses and local industry can think of the benefits of consistent uninterrupted power somewhat insulated from issues. Finding a renewable local energy source that is cheaper than standard costs may help attract some industries where those savings count. Residents can think of reduced rates and uninterrupted power. Stakeholders can think of creating this energy independence locally and monitoring how it works and can be applied to other places in a sustainable way. Creates energy resilience and redundancy because power is generated locally, stored, and still has access to pull from the wider electric grid if needed. Energy Independence and Security and Americans Thoughts on Clean Energy Transition

There is also discussion training for local fire departments. As you know, I'm supportive of firefighting training so any money for that is great.  

2. Super One Redevelopment

Super One site is being redeveloped from a worn out pot hole strewn lot (Serious drive to the Dollar store and you might get a flat tire on the way!). It has been an eyesore for a while. Development also sort of opens up some justification for ensuring we know what happens with businesses and buildings when they no longer have a use for a property. To me, if you have land that was build on already and can be redeveloped it is a good idea to make that happen. 

The question of which businesses is debatable but you have an interested party so that is something worthwhile to consider. A hotel industry that coordinates advertising with local stakeholders can be helpful in creating a global market brand. You want to attract what provides the most benefit and is sustainable and/or enhances other industries. Quality of life is also another consideration because that is tied to economic growth (not exact but they are related). Brand to attract business and people interested in local quality of life.

There was a discussion on raising the taxable valuable which I thought was thought provoking. Some money from development would be placed into local brownfield fund. About $9 million of investment and 45 new jobs with good benefits. It's not massive but definitely helpful overall. Creating net positives where local tax revenue rises, jobs are created, blight is removed, and the overall community benefits are helpful. 

3. Events

Events have increased and tourism has started as a new industry in a way that helps support other industries such as the paper industry, boat manufacturing/repair industry, hotel industry, and downtown potential. Tourism brings new revenue and pushes business to improve their offerings. It also increases opportunities for new tourism related businesses downtown that enhances local quality of life. This is where communities can think strategically about what industries support each other but don't necessarily rely exclusively on each other (hedge in clusters). 

Anyways...if I want to start a small business I might consider putting it downtown I would think tourism related micro manufacturers can improve storefronts space as well as export out of the area. Products like custom golf clubs, candles, (polo mallets), custom snow shoes, etc. can be purchased locally and sold globally drawing resources into the area. With luck you may find a product takes off and Escanaba be their HQ for production. 🥳. We have commercial space for them to move into if their export sales grow. We seed businesses. 

Escanaba Coffee Culture
Purchase Here

Escanaba is our little fishing village where you start, grow, and retire back at. Funny spoof on business growth that seems to fit the American version of such a town Business Man Fisherman Joke. It would also be nice to see mom & pop businesses like a small fruit market/salad/smoothie place, butchery/sandwich shop, bakery/coffeeshop/bookstore/wine bar etc. type businesses develop naturally as a sign the downtown can support such entities. 

Once we get hotels/vacationers in the area and more visitors these type of businesses can develop and survive making the downtown increasingly fun place to spend time. I like to envision it as spending the morning fishing, casual breakfast, middle of the day on the beach like a beach bum (been doing a lot more of that now), lunch at a local coffee shop, a matinee movie, coffee shop, visit a local art event of museum, dinner, ice-cream, and cocktails before some live music and dancing (Sorry I'm just sort of fantasizing my perfect Escanaba Day. Yours might look different.)

August 1, 2024 City Council Meeting

What is Legalized Corruption?: The Need to Ensure Institutional Integrity

Systems that run with the most amount of integrity improves national development the lives of citizens. While the larger positive intent typically guides most people in their choices there are some people and some places where that may not always be the case. Different people with different perspectives might want outcomes that further their ideological, racial, religious, financial or social agendas. In such situations truth is supplanted by sellable narratives and the essential purpose of the laws subjected to finite technicalities. A type of legalized corruption might occur where wrong is made right and right is made distasteful. Thus, thinking systemically and morally about the decisions we make as people is important. It is doubly important for our leaders because of their influence and the power to enact positive change or slow it when necessary. 

Most of the time failures are from not thinking broadly enough, tunnel vision, and unexamined bias that produce emotional reactions (We can discuss how this works in the future.) However, we can also think of sociological shifts and how the current state of our political partisanship may be feeding some of these bad behaviors (Its not exclusive to any person, place, party, etc.). Despite current pressures we have some responsibility to ensure purity of purpose and that comes from shared commitment to what makes us American and the spirit of laws that help manage our ship. 

There will be some instances where systems may not function fully in advocating for the most beneficial and moral outcomes (No system no matter how good is 100%). If consistently poor, the decision makers detract from the overall functioning of the whole because of their limited perceptions. In such situations, the in-group of core beneficiaries become more important than society's needs. In many ways more important than the institution's needs, the needs of those who work within the institution, or the stakeholders of those needs (i.e. short sighted). 

A Hypothetical Example for Learning Purposes Only:

Let me give you a hypothetical example for learning purposes only. A group of homogeneous bullies mixed with a number of officials mistreated people others in their community in full view of officials who swore official oaths of commitment to a bigger purpose. Some of the group members have a history of belittling others, using inappropriate terms to describe people of different backgrounds or faiths and comparing themselves overly optimistic. The goal of a number officials associated with the 'clan' was to dehumanize their target, run over their rights, force certain religious beliefs, ostracize them and protect "their own" from accountability. In these situations behaviors are sometimes ongoing because perpetrators are given free passes at various junctures in the process leading to a pattern of blind eye. Prior victims came forward with similar complaints and were retaliated against through intimidation. As an example, rumors of a young lady raped and stalked until she killed herself, others were targeted and no one stood up for what was right, officials kept their mouths quit, no one until a number of victims allegedly came forward with evidence (different issues same general group). Those who did express concerns also quickly became targets. Children were even put in harms way as a tool of doing damage. The social pressure rose to the point that seeming descent people were forced to ostracize people they thought were good people because they didn't want to be rejected by the clan and experience the same fate (This is called social pressure and it is well documented.) Good old Boy networks and partisanship detracted and created risks that harmed the community. It appears the free pass clan based system has an embedded pattern of helping people not only engage in these behaviors but also protect them from the consequences(In social psychology they may call that in-group). There has been to date no accounting of behaviors that doesn't seem to reward the perpetrators in a fairly clear statement that some feel they have more worth than others (In literature its typically minorities and vulnerable which seems to fit here.), the weak, the sick, the elderly, people of different faiths, etc. or anyone else. Many times the victims are further scapegoated to ensure legal, lawful, moral, socially beneficial and strategically wise change doesn't occur (This is where the third world mentality takes precedence when it comes to clan and tribalism.). 

This is meant to be an extreme example of default so take with a grain of salt but these underlining bigotries do exist at times in the souls of some men and women. When defaults like this example occur we hope and desire for people to adjust their compass true north and do what is in the best interest and long term health of the vast majority of people. That place is in the strength and integrity of our local institutions. The goal should not be to get people in trouble, although that may happen for those who were the most grotesque in action, it should be love note to improve the total system without ignoring the needs of victims (Often the victims are further victimized and carry all the risks of standing for what is right when so many others shielded their view. Once a victim has been tagged as a worthwhile target they become convenient scapegoats for other people jealousies, insecurities, aggressions, ideologies, religious rigidity, etc.. Maybe for decades because behaviors are encouraged! Worthless enough violate basic rights but important enough as a projection point of hate.). 

Lots of should haves, could haves and would haves do not change anything unless we make the effort to align our personal, professional, and institutional behaviors to those values that treat all people with dignity and fairness (While they may mostly work there are places where they don't.). The good news is most average Americans have very high values. While they are not wealthy, "connected", and don't have "the ins" to get the same opportunities they still have a love of freedom and high moral values (It's not a religious argument it is a moral argument.) Democracy is willful and it requires commitment to a greater purpose and cause. Those authorities focus on their own needs or their groups (however they define it) while neglecting the bigger purpose of roles are not contributing in these instances to the rest of the nation's benefit. They should also not be in leadership positions if the behavior is willful, intentionally ignorant or repeated violations of public trust.

It is those moral lapses that often a remembered in our collective conscious decades and centuries later (i.e. Tulsa Massacre, Native Americans and small pox, etc.). In these instances the spirit of the law was was replaced by the spirit of groups, parties, money, and other worldly priorities (the core principles of most major religions and ethical value systems discounted.). Those who encourage moral and legal failures are often given more influence during these transitional times when compared to those who are working on the behalf of the benefit of the whole. It could be necessary to step back far enough to see the bigger picture of why sticking to our essential values can carry us through a societal transition (In other words don't let selfish people derail our shared futures.).

Legalized corruption occurs when there are choices that must be made to enhance systems when significant failures occur but for one reason or another we decide to not change, not correct, not respect the spirit of laws, and not stand for something greater. We know these issues have occurred in history, and we should continuously strive to lead in morality, virtue and human freedom to keep our nose pointed in a lofty direction (Every nation and every peoples can have these issues at various times in history. It is what we learn from them and how we make change that gives a glimpse to our collective soul.). The very foundations of our society rely on protecting the fundamentals and ensuring they carry from generation to generation. When our leaders talk about values, make sure you really listen, because this is where their values count....not in speeches...not in button pressing...not in the lip service rhetoric....but in their daily choices of right over wrong. When we choose the higher path good things will happen...because it opens doors to stronger, more vibrant, more healthy, and productive communities and society (Support those who serve the average American and work for our shared benefit. Say thank you for those who do the right things...they are patriots!). 

Here is my take on things and not everyone agrees with this line of thinking. 

Freedom of Religion: All religions and not just mine.

Freedom of Speech: Not just that which selectively confirms my own bias. Constructive criticism when focused on the big end goals can also be just if not more useful in strategic decision making.

Human Rights: Important to support because this is central to who we are. Take that away and you don't have much left. 

Safety and Security: All people are entitled to safety and security.

Pursuit of Happiness: Because we are all free we all have the right to engage in pursuit of happiness. It is one of the motivations behind active participation in the economy and civic life in a way that leads to growth. 

General Universalization: Furthering access of people both to participate in and be beneficiaries of our institutions. 

etc.....

You sort of get the point! 

Victims should understand that not everything is perfect and there is room for improvement. If there are failures in the system it is not your fault. The sin falls on others and this is why they need the narrative to sort of mute those failures. Likewise, it is helpful to remember that some of our fellow Americans are not in a place in their personal development where they can value other people they see as different, their potential selves, or our shared values. Others are in a place they have no choice but to eat the cost of those failures (sliding democracy). The issue being the outcomes of their choices and that should raise a concern. We can humbly encourage those in leadership positions to have greater commitment to our values where they may be struggling with what their greater duties are. We cannot control all things so we should also make peace with the conclusion and vote our conscious. We can change our gaze to focus on what is over the horizon and do our best to strengthen our liberties and sense of moral direction. In that future we point a finger to a place we are all welcome and we can help each other get there as a single indivisible people (Axis Mundi).

"In every country where man is free to think and to speak, difference of opinion will arise from difference of perception, and the imperfection of reason; but these differences, when permitted, as in this happy country, to purify themselves by free discussion, are but as passing clouds overspreading our land transiently, and leaving our horizon more bright and serene." Thomas Jefferson

*This is philosophy article to generate thought but is not meant to be conclusive. If it helped you to think about why corruption is bad and strong management is good for the most amount of people. It is a type of thought experiment on freedom of speech, religion, and organizational values.

Kato Organization on Local Corruption

United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime: Public Sector Corruption

International Federation of Accountants: Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Corruption

DOJ: Combat Corruption, Financial Crimes and Fraud

Pictures of Sunset Cliffs in San Diego

 Yesterday I was biking past Sunset Cliffs as just the perfect timing to watch the Sunset. Every evening people come down to walk the trail and sit on the cliffs. 

You can also buy in my art Gallery HERE.

Values and Recruitment in the Military

 The world is a dangerous place and having a strong military can help our nation. What is considered a strong institution has carried our nation from generation to generation. There are other institutions that have done similar and of course a few that need to improve. Yet, the military has encouraged merit based performance and is open to anyone who has the skills. That is not something I can say is universal to all other places and institutions. 

What attracts me is their values and their beliefs that have a sense of honor, honesty, sacrifice and integrity. A lot of people talk about values but when it comes down to it they just come up short . Ones position in society doesn't make them more or less moral. The people who join the military are not perfect people but they are a cut above the rest because they believe in something greater than themselves.....that is important. 

Values are what define us. Not the cookie cutter values but the real deep values. We sometimes can learn one set through our family, another through spiritual practice, and perhaps some through organizations we belong. The military values are another set and they are worth learning. You are unlikely to get that in other places. 

-Recruitment and Retention Strategies

-Research on Organizational Values and e-Recruiting

The military needs our best and brightest. Keep in mind that it is another avenue for personal development. The lessons you learn there are not going to be learned in a text book. They are deep worm at core values that you have an opportunity to get to know in this venue versus taking decades of learning to gain that without such guidance. 

-Army Values

-DOD Values

If your interested in joining one of our branches I'm sure they would be interested in talking to you. There are many ways to give back to our nation and the military is just one avenue. If you have other skill sets consider putting them to use to benefit our society. 

Since the articles were primarily from the army I thought it would be beneficial to include Go Army Recruitment.

Who Says the Next Generation Can't be Motivated!

I found this beach pit dug by what appears to be little kids. Older people often believe that the young are not as motivated and not as commited as they are. 

I take a different perspective. 

 The young only need to be inspired to achieve great things and that is something older generations should improve on.

Their motivation isn't the issue, it's the vision and the path. While the kids may have dug until they hit water, many of us dig holes that go nowhere.

The Risks of Complacency in Closed Clan Social Governance Systems

Complacency in our most cherished laws and essential purpose of existence as a people leaves the door open to erosion of these values that act as a guide to our lives and institutions. Change is the one thing we can count on in any institutional development strategy and without change we may find such systems become costly and increasingly ineffective. Our nation has survived this long because it has put as its center certain principles such as opportunities for meaningful work, human/civil rights, and a sense of fairness through individual consideration (social contracts). We also expect people to have similar values and perceptions of what our society looks like and in turn provide support for enlightened values during the process of national development.

Problems When Misalignment of Purpose are Discovered:

Problems can arise when we become confused as to what we look like as a nation and which values are most important for the longevity of that purpose. Most want to ensure our central values guide the rest of the ship for the benefit of the whole. At times some people may want to steer those institutional benefits for groups we didn't sanction as a collection of individuals (i.e. social corruption). Where this happens we have a responsibility of the highest calling to correct to ensure alignment between professions of values and outcomes of those values.

What happens when either the processes or administrators are out of alignment with our greater values and purpose as a nation? Naturally, I think most people would reasonably conclude ("Reasonable" being the key word here.) we need change to ensure the institution stays relevant to the needs of the people. Realignment around core vision helps the entire institution refresh itself to societal needs so as to maintain a shared perception of an institution's purpose. It is that shared perception and alignment of outcomes that creates long lasting support. Talking about values on one level and failing to follow through with those values on the other end does more harm than good.

Thoughtful change can be a good opportunity to improve the system as a whole to influence beneficial impacts on society. Those who oppose change often do so because they believe things are running well and/or they have something to lose by making the system more reflective our American values. Yet insightful 'over the horizon' thinking by as many people as possible is necessary to maintain a national competitive edge. If science can show change is needed but there is no will to change then we must double our commitment to purity of purpose. Is Your Organization Strategically Aligned?

An Extreme Example:

An example meant to be a little extreme and hopefully unlikely. Yet it still highlights some of the risks of complacency of values and lack of commitment to our American ideals.

Connected group (clan) warps local institutions through homogeneous social connections designed to benefit clan members. This group creates in-group and out-group divisions in the community and is accustomed to coordinated bullying. Almost any behavior is acceptable as long as one views the out-group members as less worthy of institutional outcomes. The problem is so widespread that it creates pseudo-second-class citizens who are seen as less worthy of certain rights. Worse, some may feel they should be blocked from societal contributions (Slavery may have ended but segregationists continue to dehumanize others). Prior community complaints were ignored and while behaviors are repeated and in some ways grotesque, there are few to no backstops. 

No one is spared from misbehavior of the clan when one or more of the members are upset or wants something (Historically there are similar underlining mechanics shared by such clans that engage in group behaviors without critical thinking. Tulsa Massacre). Not children, not parents, not elderly, not the sick, not vets, not the vulnerable, no one is immune from the clan's unchecked rampage. Behaviors go on for years and in some cases, decades, and perpetrators are given consistent free passes that further embeds a toxic culture that erodes our liberties and undermines our sense of togetherness. There appears to be intentional protection for criminal behaviors and circumventing community member's rights for political, racial, religious and ideological justifications. The victims of the past are discounted and there is little attempt to protect the victims of the future due to this complacency in values and outcomes. Corrupted acts, any protection thereof, or failure to fix the problems such acts create are immoral and illegal when the needs of the nation or its people are not put first.

(It is meant to be an extreme example for learning purposes only.)

Closed Systems:

One might call the example above a closed system where certain people are beneficiaries of poor administration and good old boy networks. In such systems social connections may influence how people make decisions and therefore if someone (or people) is/are deemed subhuman/second class citizens (by the false but encouraged perception of others) each of the interconnected homogenous group members (i.e. "local as a racial or religious difference) make decisions to target people or circumvent our federal laws by misusing the power entrusted in them through our institutions. Those who are beneficiaries (in group) who receive extra protections are going to feel different when compared to those who may not be direct beneficiaries of such local institutions (out group). There are many reasons that people foster closed systems despite obligations to become more universalized in their approach. An interesting article Causes of Corruption.

Two General Outcomes:

Here are the two broad possibilities that we can consider for thoughtful discussion. Let me say that when it comes to proof-in-the-pudding outcomes there is little moral room for technicalities when larger more fundamental laws and values have been violated. Ensuring outcomes are oriented to the intent of the law and what one would expect from basic moral outcomes is important for supporting the viability of such systems in the future. The choice between striving for the ideal and accepting intentionally misaligned performance outcomes develops the soul of the institution, how it functions and how it is seen in history.  Rigidity in solutions where strategy and values would have been more helpful puts a burden on society through non-optimal functioning that compounds problems. They same can be said for changing too quickly without thinking about how those changes align to the long term needs of the nation.

Poor Outcome: No change, little respect for civil/human rights, preferred religions, encouraged races, no avenue of handling issues, reasonable community concerns silenced, misuse of power, political aggression, continued corruption, and so on and so forth. Behaviors are repeated as a pattern of response to stimuli and fear of accountability. The worst outcome is when people know that the laws are intentionally applied disparately to help some at the expense of the whole. In such situations, poor actors are rewarded and good actors are punished leading to further embedded corruption through reinforced social expectations. Encouraged criminality through free passes. Lack of commitment to the institution's core mission and variance in outcomes lead to a decline in public trust. Power over is the preferred tool of people management. The people who made self-serving and biased decisions and fail to correct are not worthy of public trust and should be removed. Patriotism is an exclusive and shallow lens.

Positive Outcome: The system changes adjusts and improves based on strategic logic and the greatest alignment of American values. There are appropriate feedback loops from various societal members. The system becomes more accurate, more helpful, better able to fulfill its purpose, and more efficient use of resources. Poor actors are removed and good actors are rewarded leading to a culture of professionalism and higher performance. Corruption is unlikely and criminality is dissuaded. Support by the young is high due to the inherent societal quality of outcomes. People naturally support the good that such institutions can do and commitment to mission and purpose moves the local institution from "management" to "striving" as more benefits to society are maximized. Power with is a common tool to encourage consensus building and open dialogue. The people who made appropriate decisions did their best with the highest moral, ethical and unbiased manner they could and are deserving of public support. Patriotism is an inclusive lens.

What are Your Thoughts?

Which one do you think will have the most positive influence on the health of the whole, the health of the institution, and the flourishing of those within and touched by the institution? I would put my money on the latter. However, the truth is somewhere in the middle and it is the striving for the ideal that is more important than the ideal itself. Thus such institutions may function most of the time but sometimes they make major moral mistakes based on the poor values of some administrators and thus should be open to change when warranted. We have a growing problem if layers of administrators are unable to see the need for change if general performance and trust declines on a collective level. Thus, good management and moral practices are needed in every system. Most do the right thing and such behaviors are applauded for their professionalism and commitment to a higher calling. While more moral people with critical thinking skills should move to the top that doesn't happen where partisanship is a primary concern over quality of character. 

Nations become defined by their processes and thus patriotism can include the concept of loyalty to higher values and the development of institutions for the benefit of a universal society. Genuine patriotism is a serious issue and it has deep implications. Maybe inner values are not as shinny as outward displays of symbolic glittery or lip service but certainly much more helpful in supporting national values. As one matures in their values they also see the difference more clearly and encourage alignment of strategic action with strategic purpose and moral development. Yet if you cannot see the possibilities, nor the edges, then one might double check the plotting of the course.

It is important that we do recognize that we make choices, people make choices, leaders make choices, etc. Our collective choices come to define us and has influence on institutional functionality and trust. Having a culture that encourages pro-American, pro-civil/human rights, pro-human advancement and pro-universal values provides a sense of unwritten guidance for the widest breadth of people who make decisions everyday. We are all the sum of our collective thoughts through the trillions of micro choices we make everyday. Let us choose that which is most healthy for the whole through preserving and gazing at our social contracts (Constitution, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Oaths, Pledges, history, Human/Civil Rights, etc.) as a navigable northern star. 

'Liberty can no more exist without virtue and independence than the body can live and move without a soul': By John Adams

*This article is meant for learning purposes only and encourages deeper thinking about freedom of religion, speech, and shared collective values. 

References:

Mittal, V., Piazza, A. & Malshe, A. (May1, 2023). Is Your Company as Strategically Aligned as You Think It Is? Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/05/is-your-company-as-strategically-aligned-as-you-think-it-is

Treisman, D. (2000). Causes of Corruption a Cross National Study. Journal of Public, 76 https://www.amherst.edu/media/view/131389/original/Treisman2000.pdf

Tulsa Historical Society (2024). 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. https://www.tulsahistory.org/exhibit/1921-tulsa-race-massacre/

The Potential Regional Impact of Clusters Through Economic Vines

Clusters can add significant advantages for industry and government that learn how to develop and use them wisely to spark wider innovations. Such innovations impact intertwined industries in a way that improves regional economic and social health. Because these clusters grow faster in comparison to the rest of the economy they can sometimes impact the local, regional and national development. Cluster generated innovations often lead to butterfly adjustments in a regional/national network due to new research, patents, product development, skill development and market solutions. Other industries adapt useful innovations throughout the nation's business networks to develop their own financial prospects. Nations become stronger from successful redevelopment from one economic homeostasis/platform to the next (Hunter-Gatherer, Agrarian, Industrial, Post-Industrial. Digital, etc.). Developing rapid innovation means thinking about what components lead to development. Research on economic clusters helps us better see the complex information from a more manageable sample.

Regional and National Impact of Clusters

When clusters obtain resources and tap local markets they have a much wider influence on the regional economy. As these economic vines reach into the micro level various nook and cranny aspects of local economies these clusters have a wider impact on regional markets as they procure supplies, marketing, employment, education, infrastructure, etc. one might go down to the micro transactions that lead to economic growth if they had the metrics and time.

Growth requires a level of resource procurement and utilization of those resources in a way that pushes supplier to become increasingly efficient and effective. Product outputs from using those resources well pushes innovation to the market through new products, discoveries, and ideas. It is a process of preadaptation, adaptation and re-adaptation to create integration and efficiencies in the the supply chain that further integration systemic innovations.

The stages of integration mark a level of development from initial stage to more advanced or declining stages. One might expect an initial economic bump from new infrastructure investments, a secondary bump from integration of knowledge to efficiency, and possibly a third bump from cross-infrastructure synergy/parity derived from deeper socio-cultural-economic change of microtransactions. A concept called Creative Destruction by Joseph Schumpeter (1942) helps understand the base catalyst that launches change but the path of that change in a Digital Era are not fully defined. 

Macro transactions create momentum to grow while micro transactions integrate those network vines into local and regional systems to create efficiencies. As an example, macro transactions fostered by something like a new rail line or airport expansion in a small town leads to many new businesses, social exchanges, contracts, etc. People seek to enhance their business and personal prospect by using these new infrastructure lines in a way that increased economic reach. The resource vines create millions of smaller micro transactions that act as the foundation of socio and economic choice for the rest of the economy.

Furthermore,  deeper integration of these economic vines will create efficiencies in product and service development and movement. The active coordinating of various infrastructure advantages to maximize their collective advantages and outputs could create synergy of advanced development and potentially new industries (As an interesting side note you can read What is Emergence in Complex Systems).  The unique way in infrastructure and related micro structure interact and enhance the whole is unique to each nation and not easily copied. Each cluster and region can become defined by their localized capacities.

Scientists often break economic development into easy to define categories but living and functioning systems respond holistically to development through millions of large and small transactions. Because of the broad reach of such vines a level of development at the root will impact elements in many areas. The efficiency and connectivity of micro-transactions within a cluster can come to define that cluster itself in terms of capacity and profitability.

The Wider Multiplying Effect of Economic Activity

One might use a multiplier to determine the potential value of growth for regional economies when clusters are successfully created. Indiana University provides multipliers as one explanation of how economic activities in one locality can impact the economic activities in another. As economic activity is imputed into the local economy from a cluster (i.e. jobs) it would then have a multiplier effect on job creation in other areas as well (Slaper & Ortuzar, 2015). Clusters rely on their environments and have an impact on those environments. 

Regional stakeholders might consider the benefits of collaborating to create clusters. Clusters may have the potential to push growth in key industries that create economic foundations for the rest of the nation. That foundation is needed as emerging market driven new product and services reorient toward profit on a grander scale. When clusters are placed strategically in industries that have high global demand, they can lead to reorienting larger global supply chain vines back to the U.S. where the environment fosters the most innovative and lucrative products. 

Those localities that create innovation and new product ideas will draw new resources in the modern Digital Age where information and rapid developing leaps in science are likely to change the economic landscape. Clusters can be build organically or created by government-industry-community partnerships but they must ultimately find a type of homeostasis with the market. They further will continue to adjust and change as the need for those products adjust and change with the time. Some vines may decline, others find new sources, and some strengthen in search for business efficiency. A type of Schumpeterian Creative Destruction is at work reorienting resources to their best use. 

Key Points:

-Clusters grow faster than the rest of the economy.

-Clusters can impact other industries, areas and regions.

-Clusters are made of many microtransactions.

-Clusters can be mapped and their economic impact measured by multipliers. 

-Regions can build and benefit from clusters.

-Clusters can provide bumps to economic development.

(While this isn't necessarily part of the book it is still a good reference to see the original book. If you have time you can read it because many of our economic assumptions are part of this and a few other books. We are developing new economic assumptions due to the advancement of a Digital Era/Information Age that comes with more virtual and non-tangible products. Creativity becomes a commodity.)

References:

Brookings Institution (March 2006). Making Sense of Clusters: Regional Competitiveness and Economic Development. Discussion Paper. The Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program. https://cge.fresnostate.edu/oced/documents/Brookings_Making%20Sense%20of%20Clusters.pdf

Daniel, et. al. (Nov. 2023). Selecting the Righter Clusters for Economic Growth. Boston Consulting Group. https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/how-to-create-an-economic-growth-plan

Federation of American Scientists. (01/12/2023) 'Cluster Development as the New Economic Development'. https://fas.org/publication/cluster-development-is-the-new-economic-development/

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