Integration with Regional Economic and Talent Development
FAQ Main Page
- Eligible Applicants
- Strategic Partners
- Skill and Competency Needs
- Leveraged Resources
- Required Capacity Building and Training Activities
- Integration with Regional Economic and Talent Development
- Eligible Trainees
- Award Information
- Application and Submission Information
- Miscellaneous
- Fiscal and Administrative
- Tuition and Scholarships
This is a new critical element. Where can I find more information about regional economies?
In February 2006, ETA launched the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative, focusing on the role of talent development in driving regional economic competitiveness, leading to increased job growth and new opportunities for American workers. To optimize innovation and successful regional economic transformation, the WIRED framework brings together all the key players in a region to leverage their collective public and private sector assets and resources, and to devise strategies that focus on infrastructure, investment, and talent development.
The WIRED strategic framework supports regions in incorporating demand-driven talent and skills development into their larger economic strategies and integrating workforce development, economic development, and education efforts into a comprehensive system that is both flexible and responsive to the needs of business and workers. More information and tools to help implement a WIRED strategic framework can be found at www.doleta.gov/WIRED.
How do you define a region?
As stated in See 72 Fed. Reg. 44576 (August 8, 2007), regions are typically defined as geographically contiguous areas and can include multiple counties and cities and cross state lines. A range of factors contribute to the formation of a region, including economic interdependence (such as a common industry or industries) and shared assets (such as human capital, research and development entities, educational institutions, and airports and other types of infrastructure). ETA encourages applicants to define local high-growth industries in the context of their regional economy by illustrating how the industry is aligned with and fits into the region’s economic development activities.
Do I have to partner with a WIRED grantee?
There is no requirement to partner with one of ETA’s Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grantees. Many areas of the country currently have regional economic and talent development strategies in operation that are not recipients of WIRED grants. Part of the evaluation criteria in the SGA requires that you demonstrate that your project is integrated with regional economic and talent development strategies by either describing how your capacity building and training solution is part of or complements existing approaches under regional talent development and economic development plans and initiatives; or describing how your CBJTG project is a catalyst for bringing partners together to begin the analysis and strategic planning in their region. However, if there is a WIRED grant in your area and your work is integrated in that project, it would be a good way to demonstrate integration with regional economic and talent development strategies. Please see 72 Fed. Reg. 44587 for the complete evaluation criteria for this element.
