Knowledge Towns: Colleges and Universities as Talent Magnets

by David J. Staley, Dominic D. J. Endicott

The remote work revolution presents a unique opportunity for higher education institutions to reinvent themselves and become talent magnets. In Knowledge Towns , David J. Staley and Dominic D. J. Endicott argue that the location of a college or university is a necessary piece of any region's effort to attract remote knowledge workers and accelerate economic development and creative placemaking. Just as every town expects a church, bank branch, post office, and coffeehouse, Staley and Endicott write, we will see a decentralized network of institutions of higher education flourish, acting as cornerstones for the post-pandemic rebuilding of our society and economy. In calling for a "college in any town," they are not simply proposing placing a traditional college within a town or city, but envisioning instead a particular kind of higher education institution called a "knowledge enterprise." In addition to providing the services of a traditional college, a knowledge enterprise acts as a talent magnet, attracting workers looking to move to cheaper and more attractive destinations. With the post-COVID-19 shift to more remote work, and millions of people moving to more affordable and livable cities, a place that wants to attract talent will require a thriving academic environment. This represents a new opportunity for "town and gown" to create collaborative communities. The pandemic has accelerated existing trends that put at risk the viability of many colleges and universities, as well as that of many towns and cities. The talent magnet strategy outlined in this book offers colleges and towns a plan of action for regeneration.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 21, 2023

Reviews

[Mike Wysocki]

This book has a lot of angles and truly ties into issues that are occurring today in America. Staley notes with stats and examples about towns that floundered and now flourish when taking approaches to integrate the local college with the community and visa versa.

There's a lot more to it than that....with the cost of housing in many places it's too out of reach plus many are enjoying and thriving in remote work as well as preferring a more bucolic environment so moving to "the country side" tied to an educational institute in a 15 minute community will entice many especially the start-up culture and the artistic. You know who should really analyze this, the developers. Instead or retro-fitting a building, why not a whole town? Staley wrote the blueprint.

Again, this is a big picture book. Staley notes a lot of success and a lot of theory. This should be in the hands of every community planner as well as the socioconscious developer.

[Sean Denizen]

Recommended for anyone interested in urban planning, higher ed, and the post-COVID world.

[Tara Talks Books]

Every university administrator, civic leader, and economic development professional should read this book. A strong town and gown is key to success.