Abstract
Throughout time and space, rural economies have changed, but they have seemingly remained disadvantaged. In this article, I discuss rural development research and policy from federal and state perspectives and provide lessons learned from my rural broadband work in both contexts. I promulgate better integration of federal and state government, academia, and the private sector to solve rural economic development challenges. Fostering relationships among federal and state rural development researchers and outreach practitioners would allow researchers to better anticipate future research needs as contacts in the field, or inside the beltway, could share an early look into where they need on-the-ground problem-solving support. I close with suggestions for fostering these relationships and I encourage my SRSA colleagues to embrace the wonderful interdisciplinary nature of regional science in addressing rural development and policy challenges.
Highlights
In the 12 months before delivering this presidential address, I transitioned from being a regional economist in the federal government to being an associate professor of regional economics at a Midwestern land-grant university
I first discuss how space and time may affect our perspectives on rural development
I close with lessons learned and suggest that stronger linkages between federal and state rural development research and outreach could enhance rural America in the long-run
Summary
In the 12 months before delivering this presidential address, I transitioned from being a regional economist in the federal government to being an associate professor of regional economics at a Midwestern land-grant university. Many factors influence a regional scientist’s perspectives on rural development Those include one’s academic discipline, methodological toolbox and experiences - rural or urban. I first discuss how space and time may affect our perspectives on rural development. I narrate my perspective on rural development research and policy given my experience in federal government and at land-grant institution, the University of Missouri. I base my nascent state rural development perspectives on my relatively short time at the University of Missouri as a research and extension faculty member. I compare and contrast my federal and state experiences in the context of my rural broadband research and policy work. I close with lessons learned and suggest that stronger linkages between federal and state rural development research and outreach could enhance rural America in the long-run
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