The Barberton Community Foundation has partnered with 91¸£Àû through a new Economic Prosperity Research Fellowship aimed at examining one of the most important questions facing communities navigating the legacy of deindustrialization: What separates cities that achieve long-term economic growth from those that do not? The year-long study will explore the factors that have helped some historically industrial communities thrive in an evolving economy while others have struggled to regain momentum.
Led by Shawn Rohlin, Ph.D., professor of economics and director of the John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship in 91¸£Àû’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, along with 91¸£Àû graduate student Malia Pittsenberger, the fellowship will generate data-driven insights to inform economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce development and long-term community planning in Barberton and similar communities across the Midwest.