Jacksonville
beyondIMPACT
New JCCI Study:

Attracting and Retaining Talent:
People and Jobs for the 21st Century
10/6/05 Issue Statement
Clanzenetta “Mickee” Brown, Community Planner
Email: mickee@jcci.org

Contact:

Chandra

2434 Atlantic Blvd.

Suite 100

Jacksonville, FL 32207

Phone: (904) 396-3052

Fax: (904) 398-1469

Email: chandra@jcci.org


Web site: www.jcci.org


Issue: How can Jacksonville improve its ability to attract the workers and businesses that thrive in a knowledge-based economy?


A JCCI study will:

  • examine the quality-of-life factors that attract and retain knowledge workers;
  • examine the quality-of-life factors that encourage knowledge-based businesses to grow and relocate within the community;
  • compare Jacksonville’s desirability as a destination to live and conduct business to similar markets in the United States;
  • assess cultural amenities, events, and recreational opportunities available locally;
  • examine the levels of innovation among local businesses;
  • explore the acceptance of and openness to cultural diversity in Jacksonville;
  • evaluate the opportunities for building social networks and a sense-of-community;
  • learn from communities that have been successful in growing, attracting, and retaining knowledge workers and knowledge-based businesses; and
  • recommend specific strategies for Jacksonville to improve its ability to grow, attract, and retain both highly skilled, educated knowledge workers and innovative, knowledge-based businesses.

Definitions

  • Knowledge-based economy:
An economy where knowledge is the primary capital that influences growth, productivity, and quality of life. Wealth in a knowledge based-economy is created by a qualified workforce composed of individuals who are experts in their field, and who are open to new technologies and lifelong learning.
  • Knowledge worker: Knowledge workers use their intellect to convert ideas into products, services, or processes. Knowledge workers are also described by their work including, but not limited to artists, bankers, diplomats, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, journalists, lawyers, law makers, managers, professionals, marketers, scientists, software developers, etc.
  • Knowledge-based business: Refers to those businesses that are relatively intensive in their inputs of technology and/or human capital. As such, knowledge-based businesses range from those classified as high-technology and communications-based to financial, insurance, medical, and business services. A knowledge-based business can also be characterized as an enterprise or organization that employs the subject or skill expertise of knowledge workers.
  • Quality of Life: Satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the cultural or intellectual conditions under which one lives. The levels of satisfaction can be influenced by a number of broad factors, including educational opportunities, economic vibrancy, state of the natural environment, social harmony, arts, culture, & recreation, community health, participation in community/government affairs, transportation & mobility, and community safety.

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