What’s in Your
Crystal
Satirical French novelist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr is credited with an old saying
… an epigram that more or less translates to “the more things change, the more they
stay the same.” For all we know, he may have been thinking “the only thing that is
constant is change.”
Reviewing the past is easier than seeing the future, but one thing these 30 years has taught us is that planning for what
you see in your crystal ball requires a rear-view mirror, as well … we learn from the past.
We’ve seen a lot of change over three decades working with leaders in business, government and education in a state
where change has been rampant and high-impact. Looking into the crystal orb, the only thing we can see is more of the
same.
We’ve been privileged to work with some of our region and, in fact, some of the world’s most recognized brands and
organizations. Blessed with clients who have given us great challenges and involved us in important missions. Had the
great privilege of participating in game-changing efforts to build our community. Learned that all of us are responsible for
the future.
So here is the future we see.
• The influence of the University of Central Florida can only continue to grow … not only because of the momentum
of the past 20 years, but because it has become the region’s partner on so many levels – economic and workforce
development, community planning, regional visioning and more. Its partnership with the University of South Florida
and the University of Florida through the Florida High Tech Corridor Council means three of the nation’s most
powerful research universities collaborate to bring intellectual and financial prosperity.
• Workforce development will be tied to continued efforts at economic diversification … and through the continued
efforts of organizations like Enterprise Florida, the Florida High Tech Corridor and Orlando Economic Development
Commission, the outlook is good with projects like the Florida Advanced Manufacturing Research Center
designed to make the region an international leader in the rapidly growing field of smart sensors. We must demand
outstanding performance in public schools, too, because that is where workforce development begins and there is
no truth more evident than that he who wins at workforce development wins at economic development.
• Investment in education and innovation are the fuel of the future … and there is every indication Florida’s leadership
sees that. Florida Senate President-elect Joe Negron has said his goal during his 2017-18 leadership is to
make Florida’s universities second to none through the investment of unprecedented resources. The Florida
Research Consortium and Florida Chamber Foundation have embarked on a strategic plan to increase the state’s
commitment to research in academic and private settings to position Florida alongside its peer and competitor
states. We must also commit to real improvement in STEM education in our public schools.
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| thestrategicfirm.com