MEDIA RELEASE: R00236 – 2 November 2016
A research project between universities in neighbouring countries will take a close look at the economy on both sides of the Niagara River.
Brock University’s Niagara Community Observatory and the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning have teamed up to create a one-year research project that is taking an inventory of the two neighbouring economies.
The project aims to lay the groundwork for regional economic growth stemming from the start-up of cross-border partnerships.
“The ambition of this project is to begin to leverage Niagara’s assets as a border community, to extend the hand of partnership across the border,” says NCO Director Charles Conteh. “Both sides of the border are in economic transition. Recent reports suggest that cross-border regions are becoming more globally competitive for firms and talent.”
The bi-national team’s first workshop will take place at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7 at University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning. It will focus on the life sciences sector.
The joint project involves researchers collecting, mapping and analyzing data on the economic strengths and weaknesses of the Niagara, Ontario and Buffalo regions in four key sectors:
• Health/life sciences
• Advanced manufacturing
• Cultural/heritage tourism
• Natural resources stewardship
“Collaborating and positioning ourselves as a bi-national region would strengthen our position in the global marketplace,” says Kathryn Friedman, research associate professor at the University at Buffalo Regional Institute and project co-coordinator.
“We would become a very attractive region for investment and economic growth,” she says.
See story in The Brock News.
For assistance in setting up interviews, contact:
* Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970
* Rachel M. Teaman, Assistant Dean for Communications, School of Architecture and Planning, University at Buffalo, 716-829-3794, rmansour@buffalo.edu
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