Watching Your Best People Leave Town
First, the rise of Europe as a power in the 17th century. Then, the rise of the United States of America in the late 19th century. Now, the rise of all sorts of economies around the world, mainly China and Asia and including India (Florida Flight, 236). Florida thinks things aren't so dire. We have a chance if - if - we have a "multi-polar (Florida Flight, 237)" strategy. "Cultivate new industry sectors, prepare people for the future, and most of all remain an open society (Florida Flight, 237)."
For decades America attracted talent from all over the world. Things have changed. Folks can go a lot of places to educate themselves. China. India. Scandinavia. Canada. Australia. All will compete. Florida say we have a choice. Restore creativity and openness. Succeed.
Florida's next book focuses on where to live if you're going to succeed. He has maps and formulas that say who's on top, and who's on the way down. Well, we already knew that Flint has a problem. If you take the time, however, there is a message. Americans have done it all along: migrate for economic reasons. Our county has immigration and emigration according to economic conditions. Florida (City) calls this a strength and recommends migration at will for economic reasons. His premise is that education and where you went to school aren't as important as where you end up living. He posits that living in the big mega-cities of the future ensures success because of the vibrancy of the larger community. The World is Flat got it wrong, Florida says. Having an Internet connection isn't enough. You have to end up in a vibrant community. Then he proceeds to map out all the communities and suggest good locations for you according to your psychographics. Luckily, I appear to have ended up in a good place for my psychographics. Of the five people from my Fortune 500 company who migrated to southern California when I did, two, maybe three, have returned. This wasn't right for me. Interesting how it works. Florida recommends a strategy of deciding where you end up, as community dictates economic success. OK, I'll buy that. I also will buy that life is more fun when there is a bit of serendipity involved. Arrive somewhere and look around. Is it a viable community for you, your business, or should you move on? Have a look, especially before you put down roots you can't transplant.
Florida misses a big point. The high schoolers I talk to are considering relocating, all right, but not to NYC or LA. They're considering points all over the world. I can't blame them and, if we plan now, we can keep them here. It'll take a re-focus of American schools on creativity, not just science, technology, engineering and math. An interesting mix, not just a technical one.
Florida, Richard. The Flight of the Creative Class. The New Global Competition for Talent. HarperCollins. 2005.
Florida, Richard. Who's Your City? How the Creative Economy is Making Where to Live the Most Important Decision of Your Life. Basic Books. 2008.