Knowledge economy

Originally posted 12/16/06 on PersonPlaceorThing.blogspot.com

Some think that a knowledge economy can be created by setting up incubator space, having funky places for smart hip people to hang out at, and passing out grants by the barrel full.

It seems Saint John and perhaps much of the Atlantic Region could get a knowledge economy up and running a different way.

While there is a think tank and incubator concept in PropelSJ and the city's Wi-Fi strategy is catching on, perhaps the idea of focusing on our strengths can lead to a strong knowledge industry.

Saint John already has a lot of energy projects on the go. With Atlantica and a number of private developments in the works it seems that an Energy Hub could help lead to a strong knowledge economy.

With these projects in Saint John, the city should be able to attract engineers and scientists and other educated people to support the energy sector.

As an added benefit mega projects will allow for a strong trades economy over the next years while the local knowledge base is sured up.

This could model might work for Moncton's transportation hub concept as well.