A comprehensive plan that identifies key initiatives that would significantly improve Oklahoma's economy and quality of life – its “competitive edge” – the Economic Development Generating Excellence (EDGE) plan is based on the work of 23 teams of statewide experts from both the private and public sectors that has been integrated with contributions from more than 2,400 Oklahomans participating through public forums and online discussions.
The EDGE plan is:
An assimilation of ideas that are familiar and ones that are fresh and new.
A set of priorities for policy makers and citizens to consider and implement.
A combination of short-term and long-term actions to refocus economic development efforts.
A truly bipartisan product that many citizens emphasized should not be used as a divisive tool by elected officials.
A work in progress because some of the recommendations should benefit from deeper analysis, public debate and refinement.
The EDGE plan is not:
A comprehensive, “soup-to-nuts” plan for everything that should or can be done for economic development.
Based on broad or deep research, but rather is an effort to capture a “grassroots” spirit shared by Oklahomans who expressed opinions and offered excellent ideas.
The end of public discussion on such an important topic, because the EDGE proposals should be seen as a vitally important first step on a long journey to ensure economic opportunities in Oklahoma rise to meet the character of the state's productive workers.
Recommendations fit into three categories:
Research and Education – the building blocks to progress in today's information-based, global economy.
Health and Quality of Life – essential to enhance the health and lifestyle for Oklahoma's citizens and for attracting others to the state.
Keeping and Creating Jobs – the most fundamental element of creating economic prosperity.
These recommendations represent the culmination of an action-planning process begun by Governor Brad Henry, who created an inclusive, bipartisan environment in which risk taking was encouraged and bold thinking expected. These proposals are presented with the understanding that the real work of implementation is just beginning. The thousands of Oklahomans who participated in the recommendation process have a large stake in the positive outcome of EDGE and may be called upon to ensure its success.