By Kate Bramson
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Chafee received two reports on Wednesday afternoon that comprehensively examine Rhode Island's economic-development efforts and offer insight into how the state could improve its position.
Read the reports:
The Fourth Economy Consulting team says that a $1.9 million grant that's funding this analysis provides a unique opportunity for the state to create a unified vision and comprehensive plan. Some key recommendations:
• The state should empower a point person to lead and oversee the economic-development planning efforts;
• RI should not focus on any specific industry cluster, but on specific market opportunities presented by the alignment of key industries and assets.
• The state should monitor only the most credible business-climate rankings.
• "Internet connectivity to the global marketplace," is an area in which RI "shines."