COWS: The Center on Wisconsin Strategy

Abstract

This paper considers the activities of the Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS). A self-styled think-and-do-tank, COWS attempts to link theoretical considerations of 'high-road' regional development to practical on-the-ground programmes. Through grassroots institution building the COWS programmes actively incorporate many groups into a distinctive local development agenda, whilst at the same time building a coalition that presses for broader changes in the means and goals of economic development. The COWS initiative represents an intelligent, distinctive and innovative policy agenda that is rightly receiving interest on this side of the Atlantic.