The latest version of Analyst (EMSI’s web-based labor market analysis tool) is built on an elaborate Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) platform. A SAM has its roots in input-output (I/O) theory. As a prelude to the release of Analyst 3.0, this blog post goes back to the general history of economic doctrines and takes a brief look at the historic roots of SAM and I/O-like theories.
Dec. 14, 2011 | Posted by Rob SentzArchive for the ‘Whitepapers’ Category
Dealing with Skills Shortages in a Complex Economy
EMSI has developed a new index to help regions better understand employment skills gaps. This methodology is an attempt to provide a straightforward but comprehensive technique for sensing shortages of workers so that regional planners can respond where needed.
Oct. 21, 2011 | Posted by Joshua WrightA Detailed Look at Skill Shortages
A question that has perplexed jobseekers and economists alike is how there can be so many people looking for work and yet so many unfilled positions in the economy? In an attempt to answer this question, EMSI has taken a fresh look at the skill gap issue using historic jobs and earnings data to determine which segments of the labor market are growing and which are diminishing.
Jul. 26, 2011 | Posted by Joshua WrightDeveloping the Right Industry Focus
For many years employment in US manufacturing has been in sharp decline. Domestic manufacturers have scaled back, outsourced, or just plain closed down.
Dec. 3, 2009 | Posted by Joshua Wright“Green” Policy and Regional Development
Editor’s note: This is an op-ed piece by Rob Sentz, EMSI’s marketing director and author of a series of five green jobs papers. Click here for a PDF version of this piece. Illustration by Mark Beauchamp Introduction Over the past year, EMSI has been fielding questions from local planners (workforce boards, community colleges, and economic [...]
Oct. 28, 2009 | Posted by Joshua WrightEvaluating Programs? Start with Labor Market Data
More and more, and certainly in light of the current recession, there is a need to apply up-to-date information on local, state, regional, and even national economies to training, curriculum, and skills development. So, in this brief paper we want to show how labor market information (or information on industries, occupations, and demographics) can be [...]
Oct. 7, 2009 | Posted by Joshua WrightGreen Jobs, Part 5: How to Prepare Jobseekers for the Green Economy
Summary: This paper is meant as a practical guide to help workforce, education, economic development professionals (and any other sort of career counselor) understand green jobs and be able to offer solid advice to young people and jobseekers so they can get on the right track and in the context of the demands of the [...]
May. 20, 2009 | Posted by Joshua WrightGreen Jobs, Part 4: Which infrastructure project will have the best impact?
Data spotlight: Using input-output analysis, economic base, and fiscal impact modeling to determine the best project Last month we considered regional investments that would create jobs (green or otherwise) on the basis of multiplier effects, long-term vs. short-term effects, and the relative cost per job created. To review this article, click here. This month we [...]
Apr. 2, 2009 | Posted by Joshua WrightInput-Output Guidebook: A practical guide for regional economic impact analysis
April, 2009 By: M. Henry Robison, Founder and Senior Economist, EMSI contact information: Rob Sentz (rob@economicmodeling.com) For a PDF version of the paper: IO guidebook Introduction Our nation’s economic woes have led to many ideas for the best way to transform our economy and get it back on track. Many of these ideas are rooted [...]
Apr. 2, 2009 | Posted by Joshua WrightGreen Jobs, Part 3: Green Pathways
Green Jobs, part 3: A data-driven approach to defining, quantifying, and harnessing the green economy To read Green Pathways (PDF): EMSI green jobs part 3 data spotlight Summary At the local level, the discussion of green jobs should be rooted in data as much as possible. As regions consider major investments in the green economy [...]
Mar. 4, 2009 | Posted by Joshua WrightWorkforce Development: Successful Re-employment Strategies
Introduction The workforce investment system is in the national spotlight with the emergence of two very big issues: the increasing knowledge and skills gap in the nation’s workforce, and mass layoffs as a result of the current economic turmoil. And because these problems are so pervasive, it is important that local groups join with their [...]
Feb. 4, 2009 | Posted by Joshua WrightGreen Jobs, Part 2: Which (Green) Project is Best for your Region?
Green Jobs, part 2 – Assessing Workforce and Economic Impacts, Return on Investment of stimulus projects Last month we took a look at some occupations that would likely be affected by the new administration’s “green policy.” To review last month’s article click here. This month we want to bring in more perspectives like working layoff [...]
Feb. 4, 2009 | Posted by Joshua WrightGreen Jobs, Part 1: A Look at “Green” Occupations
In this first installment, we will take a look at some of the implications of policy to create green jobs. Over the coming weeks and months we will be releasing periodic articles, essays, white papers, data spotlights and other perspectives around green jobs. The goal is to help local practitioners know and understand this issue [...]
Dec. 19, 2008 | Posted by Joshua WrightWhite Paper: Strategic Responses to Layoffs for Re-employment
Background Because of the recent economic turmoil, EMSI has received many questions about how to deal with local mass layoffs. In this white paper, we have compiled our main recommendations for using labor market data and analysis when drafting re-employment strategies. Download a PDF version of the white paper: Strategic Responses to Layoffs for Re-employment [...]
Dec. 19, 2008 | Posted by Joshua WrightLabor Market Analysis for Site Selection (Updated and Expanded)
In this updated and expanded version of our previous site selection whitepaper, we talk about the need for labor market analysis for today’s businesses, challenges in using various public and proprietary data sources, and EMSI’s solution to facilitate instant access to detailed data. Labor Market Analysis for Site Selection (Expanded) – PDF Introduction Businesses and [...]
Jul. 16, 2008 | Posted by Joshua WrightLabor market data & analysis for site selection
In this whitepaper, EMSI explains the importance of labor market analysis for businesses, site selectors, and economic development professionals. The paper covers types of key information needed and the challenges of local labor market research using public sources, and some basic features of EMSI’s Strategic Advantage web-based system that make it the top labor market [...]
Feb. 6, 2008 | Posted by Joshua WrightStrategies for Labor Market Responsiveness
This document is a short working paper produced jointly by Central Arizona College and EMSI/CCbenefits Inc. It describes data sources and research methods to help colleges determine a region’s labor market needs and adjust programs accordingly. Download the full document here (PDF hosted by Central Arizona College).
Dec. 12, 2007 | Posted by Joshua WrightEmergence of Workforce Development: Definition, Conceptual Boundaries, and Limitations
This chapter is an excellent introduction to the background, definition, and goals of “workforce development.” It is one chapter in a forthcoming book on technical/vocational education and training. Posted here by permission of the lead author. Citation: Jacobs, R., & Hawley, J. (2008). Emergence of Workforce Development: Definition, Conceptual Boundaries, and Implications. In R. MacLean [...]
Nov. 12, 2007 | Posted by Joshua WrightAn Evaluation of the RaDiUS R&D Database
In this document, an EMSI economist and data specialist evaluate the RaDiUS database of federal R&D grants as a potential source of regional economic indicators. RaDiUS (Research and Development in the U.S.) is a database developed by a subsidiary of the Rand Corporation. It’s primary focus is the tracking of federal grants given to research [...]
Sep. 19, 2007 | Posted by Joshua WrightConcept paper: "Vision for the Future of the Workforce Investment System"
Noted policy research firm MDRC (most recently in the news for its role in the Opportunity NYC program), has posted a thought-provoking concept paper about workers, WIA, and welfare. The paper provides a good overview of recent workforce investment history, the relationship of current policy to low-wage workers and welfare policy, and the sometimes double-edged [...]
Sep. 18, 2007 | Posted by Rob SentzIdentifying important regional industries
Every region must periodically assess its most important industries in order to ensure that policy priorities are aligned with the realities and needs of the region’s economy. However, determining which regional industries are important can be challenging, since the definition of “important” is not always agreed upon by regional stakeholders. To avoid resorting to multiple [...]
Sep. 12, 2007 | Posted by Joshua WrightDefining a Functional Economic Region
The definition of a region is the first key step in an economic impact or economic base analysis. Which sub-areas (counties, ZIPs, or MSAs) should be included or excluded? What principles guide region definition? This short document is intended to answer these questions and help our users create regions that are appropriate for such analysis. [...]
Sep. 11, 2007 | Posted by Joshua WrightPurdue’s “Role of Regional Clusters” report
Purdue Center for Regional Development, Indiana Business Research Center and Strategic Development Group Inc. published Unlocking Rural Competitiveness; The Role of Regional Clusters in January 2007. This is a great resource for anyone trying to define a regional cluster. Appendix I of the report gives a detailed taxonomy of 17 industry clusters.
Jul. 25, 2007 | Posted by Joshua Wright-
About the Blog
The EMSI Blog provides data, links, articles, and other information related to labor market trends, regional economics and workforce and economic development.
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About the Editor
Joshua Wright is a member of the EMSI marketing team and manages the EMSI blog. If you have any questions, comments, or article ideas, please email him.
