Recently, I seem to have read numerous articles that discuss the role of "risk" in the current economic climate we occupy. However, I would have to agree with a few friends (actually former East Kentuckians) who maintain that our economy and particularly our ideas of gaining something from minimum effort is more aligned with "uncertainty" than risk. This particulary holds true in East Ky where coal has predominately provided the economic landscape for development. Today, people are just beginning to examine life without coal.
The region has been impacted in nearly every way because of coal: healthcare, home ownership, quality of life, entertainment, education ....you name it, coal has left its economic imprint. The truth is that we really don't have a clear concise understanding of what Appalachian KY will look like without the economic benefits of coal. To place our region's economy in the risk category, we would have to have some of those "possible" outcomes clearly defined. Will Appalachian KY become regionalized within itself with community clusters who may center on manufacturing, farming, information technology or new energy processes? Will the region develop a "brand" identity for some particular economic focus? Endogenous or exogenous development approaches. Both?
It seems that uncertainty holds more truth for the region at this current time. We do not have a set of possible outcomes to draw from. This may change given time and new advancements. The point that I am making in detail is that the region's greatest hope in my opinion lies in the capacity of entreprenuers and new technologies. It is vital and critical to our region that our best and brightest maintain an entrepreneurial mindset and connectivity to Appalachian Kentucky. Whether they have moved to Chicago, Los Angelos or Seattle, we need their input and ability to bring resources to the table. Likewise, we need those folks that are within the region who have that entrepreneurial drive to have the tools and resources to foster that development in a pro-entrepreneurial environment. Education is also critical. Adults should be provided with the educational resources and assistance that is needed to aid them in entrepreneurial endeavors. Youth need entrepreneurial education that instills the value in them of having the capacity to create their own jobs and dreams from any location even the head of a hollow.
So, why I agree and believe our economic climate is more modeled after uncertainty, I do believe we have not crossed the rubicon of impossibility within the region. Uncertainty offers the possibility of anything occurring. New technology, innovation and entrepreneurial development offer potential and hope for our region.
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There are excellent points in this post in regards to the economic situation in Eastern Kentucky. Since the coal mining industry is an essential part of the Appalachian identity, I believe removing coal as an industry is nearly impossible. Check out my blog on the rhetoric of the coal debate in this region: http://goresthighonthatmountain.blogspot.com/
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