NBSPRN’s Economic Development Policy Discussion was held on June 12, 2013. Dr. Shute gave a lecture on “A two circuit approach to Economic Development” followed by a panel discussion. We would like to thank our keynote and all our panelists: Monica Chaperlin, René Boudreau, Susan Holt and Yves Bourgeois, for a lively discussion and our moderator Nancy Mathis for keeping the group on track. There will be a follow up event in the fall to be announced at a later date.

Event summary:
NB-SPRN members and forum registrants arrived at the WU Centre in Fredericton (UNBF) at 5 pm on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 to meet and network at a wine and cheese reception. The reception was very animated and provided the 120 registrants an informal opportunity to get to know each other. During this time, a film crew was present to interview participants on their ideas about economic development.

The participants moved into the auditorium at 6 pm for opening remarks from Managing Director, Nick Scott. Keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Shute took to the podium at 6:15 with his lecture and power point presentation. Following his lecture, Dr. Shute answered a couple of questions from the audience prior to panel moderator, Nancy Mathis introducing the panel discussion topic and panelists.

The goal of the panel discussion was to offer a varied perspective on economic development. The topic, “What is good Economic Development policy?” was explored by representatives from the business sector, academia, government and community non-profit sector, each bringing their own informed perspective on the issue. As someone working within the business support community, the moderator was able to draw out of each contributor their ideas on how New Brunswick can develop public policy that produces a positive Economic Development climate.

Susan Holt’s key point was that each of us has a role to play in the success of our economy. She stressed that good Economic Development policy finds people who are passionate and committed to an idea; that good economic development policy follows passion. We need to find an idea infused with passion and then gather support for the idea with various collaborators who will help to innovate and move the idea forward.

Dr. Yves Bourgeois claimed that those who innovate in collaboration are successful. Innovation is not about developing new “gismos” but “building better mousetraps better.” Bourgeois stressed that competitiveness is hindered by a lack of regional connectivity. We need social capacity to integrate. We need to move people around to gather and share ideas.

Rene Boudreau said that we need to develop an Economic Development plan that moves beyond the ruling government. Economic Development takes time and patience. It is critical to invest in people and begin creating entrepreneurs at a very young age to generate the ideas needed to move the economy. Governments can’t create Economic Development opportunities. Rather, governments can put the structural mechanisms in place for people to access.

Monica Chaperlin maintained that community is the conductor of Economic Development because it is at the community level where all sectors intersect. Communities know their assets. If we build strong communities we will be able to identify the right leaders to conduct the various Economic Development components. She stressed the need to develop client-driven innovation rather than market-driven innovation; to create Economic Development policy that touches the ground.

While each panelist presented a unique perspective, the general theme was the need for collaboration in order to generate sustainable Economic Development. Following a brief presentation from each panelist, the moderator opened up the discussion to the forum participants, asking them to engage with the panelists by asking questions and generating a dialogue. Dr. Michael Shute joined in the question/ answer period, responding to additional questions from participants. This portion of the evening lasted almost an hour and a half, offering lots of idea exchange amongst panelists and participants.

As the evening was wrapping up, moderator, Nancy Mathis, asked the forum participants to share what they learned and were “taking away” from the evening. Please see below for their responses:

• Good Economic Development policy will not happen without commitment and passion
• The best collaboration is informal collaboration; it happens over a local beer.
• There is no collaboration without conflict.
• Good Economic Development policy doesn’t make a difference if we don’t have transportation infrastructure.
• Income is not profit
• The “Why?” of Economic Development might not be employment but, instead, more leisure.
• Youth is underrepresented in the Economic Development discussion.
• Every community needs an effective collaborator from within.
• Economic Development policy needs to be long-term, i.e. 35 years.
• Diversity and collaboration are key to Economic Development.
• Comprehensive neighbourhood plans are the building blocks of community leadership.
• Transportation is a barrier to involving immigrant populations in the economy.
• Economic activity does not necessarily mean Economic Development.
• It is challenging, yet essential, for Economic Development policy to survive governments.
• There is a need for local supply chains.
• Democracy is a system of conversations.
• Talk to the “wrong” people.
• The policy “roots” should be our values.
• Need to provide a space for good ideas from informal leaders.
• Reframe the rural/urban dualism. Instead, there needs to be interdependence.
• Good Economic Development is informed by good social development.
• If we use the wrong data, nothing else matters.
• It is important to ask the right questions.