1. Introduction

• 1.1.     Project Background, Purpose and Goals
• 1.2.     Organizing to Accomplish this Project
• 1.3.     Organization of this Report
• 1.4.     References

2. Overview of Cluster Concepts and the Two-Project Framework

• 2.1.     Key Concepts in Studying Clusters: Geographic and Operational Definitions.
• 2.2.     Overview of the Two-Project Framework
• 2.3.     References

3. Project 1: Analysis of Data for All U.S. Counties

• 3.1.     The Nationwide Analysis
• 3.2.     Defining the Key Constructs
• 3.3.     Profile of U.S. Counties
• 3.4.     Spatial Patterns of Industry Clusters across U.S. Counties
• 3.5.     The Triangle of Industry Mix, Rurality, and Economic Performance
• 3.6.     Economic Growth Trajectories
• 3.7.     Summary and Conclusions
• 3.8.     References

4. Project 2: Applying Cluster Insights in a Rural Region

• 4.1.     Introduction: Indiana’s Economic Growth Region 8
• 4.2.     EGR 8 Cluster Analysis
• 4.3.     The Planning Process
• 4.4.     Next Steps
• 4.5.     References

5. Summary, Conclusions, and Lessons Learned

• 5.1.     General Background
• 5.2.     National Analysis and Database (Project 1)
• 5.3.     Application in Indiana’s Economic Growth Region 8 (Project 2)
• 5.4.     Lessons Learned and Future Directions
  

Appendix I: Cluster Taxonomy

• Detailed Cluster Definitions
• Aggregated Cluster Definitions

Appendix II: EGR 8 Materials

• Letter to Local Elected Officials from Governor Daniels
• Map of EGR 8 with Interstate Highways and Proposed Extension of I-69
• Media Release
• List of Mayors in EGR 8
• Fax to EGR 8 Mayors
• Draft Summary of Local Economic Development Plans from EGR 8
• Analysis of Local Economic Development Plans from EGR 8
• RAC Meeting Agendas
• Focus Group Questions
• Inventory of Regional Assets
• List of NSWC Crane Assets
• List of Regional Advisory Committee Members

Appendix III: EGR 8 Survey Materials

• E-mail Message Sent to 602 Businesses in EGR 8 Inviting Participation in Survey
• Cover Letter Mailed to Selected Regional Stakeholders Inviting Survey Participation
• Cover Letter Mailed to a Second List of 150 Organizations in EGR 8 Inviting Survey Participation
• Mailed Version of the Survey on the Business Climate in EGR 8
• Survey Responses to Open-Ended Questions

Appendix IV: Cost-of-Living Differences between Rural and Urban Areas in Indiana— Examining the Real Prosperity of Rural Regions

Appendix V: List of Contributors and Supporters

Appendix VI: Guide to the U.S. Database

Appendix VII: U.S. and EGR 8 Maps