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March 13, 2006
Michigan gets it
We all know about the problems of the US auto industry - including the problem of poor products. And as the US owned auto industry goes, so does Detroit and the entire state of Michigan.
But at least Governor Jennifer Granholm understands (even if the auto industry executives may be a little slow to pick up the theme). In a recent interview in Business Week, the "Michigan Governor Talks Design"
Michigan is home to major industries that shape how the nation travels, works and lives. They all rely on good design. No other state has the history and future that we have relative to design impacting people's lives. No other state has the combination of success with respect to products - namely, cars and furniture - that virtually everyone in the U.S. and the world touches. This means that huge opportunities still lie before us. Where do I think Michigan fits into this creative economy? Michigan is poised and has taken advantage of creativity to shape its economy. We are dissatisfied with status quo. We want to continually evolve and shape and attract others who are at that level in a design, research and development economy.
. . .
Diversification is important. In Michigan, we seek to foster a welcoming environment for those we fondly refer to as "the green hairs," the iconoclasts, so we can take advantage of their imagination and ease around computer technologies. When you look at the digital magic of movies and all that unbelievable software that goes into the development of video games, that's what we want to link to. Right now those kids are going to Pixar in California. We want them here.
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Several active dialogues between businesses, educational institutions and economic development groups aim to identify ways to build on our creative environments. Focused scholarships, internships and interdisciplinary educational experiences, symposiums and conferences are some considerations.
Q: Are you going to push design exposure to the high school level?
You bet. In fact, we would love for a major design firm to join with us in piloting a curriculum. We are canvassing the field for those who would help us create a high school that is focused on design.
. . .
Design is about problem-solving. For us, it is an opportunity to leverage technology to solve problems and sell products - whether it's an industrial product or interior design or the landscape, healthcare, the design of tourism promotion, the design of cities or the design of a new economy. It is all about breaking down the way things have been done before. We see great value in creating and sustaining the environment where creative disciplines can flourish and continue to lead the innovative process so important for our state's future. That, to me, is the richest opportunity we have.
If we could just have that kind of understanding and leadership and the Federal level . . .
Oh, and for all you political junkies, no - this is not a pitch for a candidate in 2008. Granholm was born in Canada and is a naturalized citizen. She is therefore ineligible to run for the Presidency (unless they pass the Schwarzenegger Amendment to the Constitution).
Posted by Ken Jarboe at March 13, 2006 8:21 AM
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Comments
Interesting, Ken. Thanks for highlighting the interview. One of the issues we're grappling with in Michigan is an economy that was designed for an entirely different era.
There's a new effort called the Center for Michigan that is hoping to change that. They're online at:
http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/
Posted by: Andrew McFarlane at March 13, 2006 9:35 AM
I can remeber in high school our professor asked what are the two leading fashion and design centers, Paris and Detroit.The cooperation of government and business as the Gov points out is key.
I think the uncontrolled cost of health care and our the lack of dialogue on the cause and corrective action is a major factor in our current problems.We spend more in Defence than all the rest of the world combined, and we are uncompetative as a result.Coud we squeeze out a few Trillion here and there. Where is Everet Dirckson now that we really need him.
Posted by: Mike McGonegal at March 16, 2006 10:56 PM
Well, I have to say that Jennifer Granholm is more concerned about her appearance on TV than helping michigan. Unions and unrealistic benefit plans are killing the big 3 automakers. The Japanese know this, they do not have these problems. She needs to wake up and smell the coffee quickly, because Dick DeVos is poised to take her job this year.
Posted by: Nathan S. at April 4, 2006 9:00 PM