Profs, students study Michigan’s economic future in research seminar

Contact: Ross Emmett, James Madison College: (517) 432-6139, emmettr@msu.edu; Bryan Ritchie, James Madison College: (517) 353-8614, ritchieb@msu.edu; or Meredith Mescher, University Relations: (517) 432-0305, mescherm@ur.msu.edu

Jan. 23, 2007

EAST LANSING, Mich. — How can Michigan avoid future economic decline and become more attractive to new high-tech companies? Professors and students in Michigan State University's James Madison College are looking for answers.

Students in this spring's undergraduate research seminar, "Michigan Futures in the Global Economy," now in its second year, are collaborating with faculty on research to find out what it takes to foster high-tech entrepreneurialism in Michigan.

"Students may be one of our greatest assets in enhancing the local capacity to absorb new innovations and knowledge," said Ross Emmett, associate professor in James Madison, who is leading the seminar. "Students are willing to engage the community in discussion about our capacity to change; their eyes are on the future."

Students will analyze the performance of four Michigan industries of their choice and compare them with the same industries elsewhere in the United States and the world to see how Michigan measures up. They will then craft their own policy agenda for the state.

"The Michigan Futures seminar provides an excellent opportunity for students to actively take part in developing creative ideas for possible future policies in Michigan," said Amy Fredrickson, a James Madison student currently taking the seminar. "With the loss of many manufacturing jobs, difficulties in the American auto industry, increasing health care costs, cuts in funding for education, and the drain of college-educated students leaving the state, it is clear that Michigan is ripe for change."

The students' research is part of a bigger picture. Findings from last year's student researchers were the catalyst for the creation of the Michigan Center for Innovation and Economic Prosperity. Established in 2006 by Emmett and Bryan Ritchie, associate professor of international relations, the center explores the networks and policies that will sustain Michigan's place in the global economy.

The center’s goal is to be known as the place for undergraduate students to participate in applied public policy research; for policy professionals to participate in educational outreach services that will make them better policy makers; for academic researchers in comparative political economy to undertake quality, policy-oriented research; and for the public to obtain nonpartisan policy advice.

Among other partners, the center works closely with Prima Civitas, the university-led public-private partnership for economic development in mid-Michigan. One of the center’s initiatives for Prima Civitas is the creation of an office to facilitate the start up of new high-tech firms in the mid-Michigan area.

"No longer can we continue on with business as usual," said Ritchie. "Economic survival demands that we completely transform our communities into groups of highly effective innovators. Our hope is that this new center will galvanize and catalyze efforts to make such changes."

For more on the prosperity center, visit http://jmc.msu.edu/mciep/.

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