Indiana should modernize economic development approach, study says

A new study from Ball State University encouraged Indiana to take a new approach to economic development at a time when "footloose" jobs that can relocate anywhere have been vanishing.

Indiana has invested heavily in attracting jobs from elsewhere by touting its business climate and low taxes, such as with “Illinoyed” billboards in neighboring Illinois, and “A State That Works” ads in costlier states like California and New York.

The new study, “Footloose Jobs & Urbanization: Recent History and Policy Considerations for Indiana,” found Indiana has been losing so-called footloose jobs for 50 years — a trend that’s accelerated since the turn of the century.

The study said the state instead should adopt a more 21st century approach to economic development by focusing more on attracting educated workers instead.

Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/indiana-should-modernize-economic-development-approach-study-says/article_0b15826c-f0f1-5b4d-a304-db02b6ad795c.html