Assets and Challenges for Accelerated Technology-Based Growth in Hidalgo County: A
Assets and Challenges for Accelerated Technology-Based Growth in Hidalgo County: A Knowledge-Based Benchmarking By: Gerald D. Brazier and David V. Gibson Date: October 31, 2001 Abstract: Assessment of assets and challenges to the development of a knowledge-based economy in Hidalgo County, Texas, driven by technology industries, second-generation manufacturing, and value-added support services. Includes data on demographics, economy, education, infrastructure, and business activity, as well as a survey of local business leaders on factors affecting economic development. Keywords: economic development; Hidalgo County, Texas; Texas © IC² Institute, The University of Texas at Austin http://ic2.utexas.edu 2 Knowledge Based Benchmarking Assets and Challenges for Accelerated Technology-Based Growth in Hidalgo County A Knowledge-Based Benchmarking Prepared by Dr. Gerald D. Brazier, Director for Administration Center for Border Economic Studies (CBEST) and Coordinator, UTPA CBIRD Program University of Texas-Pan American and Dr. David Gibson, Director Research Programs IC2 Institute The University of Texas at Austin A CBIRD (Cross Border Institute for Regional Development) Core Progam implemented under a partnership agreement between CBIRD and The University of Texas Pan – American funded by the Economic Development Administration with IC2 Institute, The University of Texas at Austin serving as advisor and subcontractor. 4 Knowledge Based Benchmarking Acknowledgements This project was carried out under a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the United States Department of Commerce. All of us working on this benchmarking effort appreciate the generous support of the EDA, particularly Mr. Pedro Garza of the agency’s Austin office. The knowledge based benchmarking has been truly a team effort involving community leaders from Hidalgo County, the personnel from the Cross Border Institute for Regional Development (CBIRD), and staff from the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA) and the IC2 Institute of the University of Texas at Austin.
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