Review of Iowa's economic development strategy planned

A privately funded state advisory board has commissioned a Columbus, Ohio, research organization to review Iowa's economic development strategy.

The Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress has requested that Battelle Technology Partnership Practice study Iowa's existing industries and potential growth opportunities. The comprehensive study also will look at how Iowa has fared in advancing innovation, job attraction and retention since the last strategy was developed in 2004-2005.

The Battelle study will be funded through support from private-sector organizations and is expected to cost about $400,000.

"It is critical that we know where we've been and where we are headed so that we can maximize Iowa's opportunity to successfully compete for economic development projects," said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

The Battelle analysis will be performed over the next 12 months, with kick-off meetings with key stakeholders beginning this month. The IEDA and regional economic development organizations will work with Battelle to provide information and input for the study.