This project, completed by the Niagara Community Observatory at Brock in partnership with the Wilson Foundation, brought together an interdisciplinary research team focusing on five key economic sectors: hydroelectric power generation, manufacturing and industry, marine transportation, tourism and agribusiness.
Project reports show that, with the right approach, Niagara can continue to be a powerhouse in the key sectors of agribusiness, manufacturing and tourism. An analysis of the region’s established and emerging sectors and how Niagara Region’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy addresses these areas recommends a variety of ways to boost Niagara’s economic resiliency. The research points to promising trends in the emerging sectors of information communication technology, health care and the aerospace industry.
“The Next Frontier of Economic Development in Niagara: From Concierge to Orchestrator of Change” report calls for adopting a ‘smart industrial specialization’ approach to economic development in Niagara, by identifying and building on Niagara’s core strengths, and the relationships that exist between things like manufacturing, agriculture and tourism within the region.
A special-project website, hosted by Brock Library Archives & Special Collections, provides historical papers and vignettes, videos, and the background working papers which inform the final project reports.
Click here to access History of Niagara’s Economic Development in a Changing World
Published by Niagara Community Observatory at Brock University, 2024
