Economic Development in Union County, Oregon: A Case for Developing the Creative Economy

Abstract

A critical part of any economy, whether it be national, state, or local is its creative economy and its ability to generate and retain an innovative workforce. A shift-share analysis for the years 2008 and 2013 was used to identify industries in Union County, Oregon that have a regional advantage. The arts, entertainment, and recreation industry was identified as an industry with a regional advantage, which has potential for further development that will not only increase the workforce in that industry but also the quality of life in the region and the development of the creative economy