Linking economic development and workforce diversity through action research

ABSTRACT

The link between economic development and workforce diversity is being explored through an action research project based in an economically transitioning region of central Pennsylvania. This project consists of a collaboration between university researchers, a local college, economic development professionals and the local business community. It is directed at the creation of a sustainable knowledge-intensive, technology-enabled workforce. The intended outcome of this action research effort is ongoing awareness and education programs for the local business community that focuses on helping them to understand: 1) the connection between diversity and economic development in the region; and 2) the barriers to greater workforce diversity that exist in this region.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.0 General

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.0 General
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION
      K.7.0 General

General Terms:
Human Factors, Management, Theory

Keywords:
IT skills, IT workforce, action research, diversity, economic development, ethnicity, gender, human capital, information economy, minorities, race, social inclusion, under represented groups