Creative Economy Seminars: The rural creative economy: Issues and challenges

Dr. Kevin Stolarick, Research Director, The Martin Prosperity Institute, Joseph L. Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

12 - 1 pm
304 Goodes Hall
Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario

Find more information here

Abstract
The idea of a “Creative Economy” and related research have primarily been focused on urban or at least suburban areas. Richard Florida’s original research and much of the subsequent work of other researchers have only looked at metropolitan regions. The idea of a attracting the creative class has come to be synonymous with an urban lifestyle and amenities. However, researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (McGranahan and Wojan) and others have found that the creative class plays an equally important role in the economic development and success of rural and non‐urban regions, and that these locations can offer a different collection of amenities that can be equally attractive to a subset of the Creative Class. The Creative Class is not monolithic. Variation in individual and family preferences results in variability in the ability to attract the creative, highly‐skilled individuals needed for regional prosperity. In this talk, examples from Europe, the United States, and northern Canada will be used to discuss the development of appropriate regional strategies.

The Monieson Centre facilitates research on the knowledge economy. Our winter 2010 seminars focus on economic transformation, as businesses rely less on physical labour and routinized tasks, and compete increasingly using talent and technology. The series focuses on Ontario in the Creative Age, exploring how rural businesses and communities need not get left behind. To receive information on upcoming seminars and/or to confirm your attendance, contact monieson@business.queensu.ca. Please join us for a meet and greet 15 minutes prior to each seminar.

Sponsored by the Prince Edward/Lennox & Addington CFDC