Through the introduction of an information system, rural governments may effectively initiate successful economic development efforts. Economic development strategies currently being employed are not successful in assisting rural economies and are extremely costly. Progressive strategies which are more cost effective and custom designed to address rural needs must be introduced. One such strategy is based upon the import reL)Iacement concet)t. The objective of Phase I is twofold: first, to establish in what types of rural communities the import replacement concept is supported; second, to determine what vital elements should be included in the information system to insure a comprehensive and costeffective approach is taken toward economic development.Applications:There are several
Anticipated Results: (1) the acceptance of a low-cost, low-risk economic development strategy by rural communities; (2) a partnership between private and public sectors; (3) less reliance on the federal dollars and greater atmosphere of self-reliance. Commercial applications of the informational system would be focused around a computer program that would be sufficient to meet the needs of different types of rural governments. The development of such a system as a commercial product would allow for rural governments or businesses to obtain vital information for business ventures and to initiate key economic development activities.
