The main purpose of this research study was to investigate the perceived economic implications that broadband Internet has made on three small Kentucky cities. Perceptions were chosen to be studied, because it appears that perceptions, and not economic indicators, determined the economic viability of each Kentucky city that was researched.This study examined the perceptions of the association of broadband Internet to economic growth through a single-case study approach. Data were collected through multiple, semi-structured interviews with the city's municipal utility, economic development and workforce development sectors. Results from each city were then analyzed by coding and placing the data into themes that emerged from each city.One common theme that appeared throughout small cities in Kentucky was minimal collaboration between the different sectors (broadband Internet provider, Economic Development, and Workforce Development). Closely associated with this theme was a lack of communications between these same sectors in some of the cities. Finally, there was a lack of racial diversity within each city that discouraged innovative ideas and methods.Recommendations included using predictive analysis to plan and track economic development modeling and continue to develop the businesses and industries that are already established, instead of courting new business. Additional recommendations involve the development of a partnership between the municipal utility and private broadband Internet carriers, a relationship between the municipal utility and the rural cooperative, and establishing a technology committee that would include all broadband Internet providers, a economic development representative, a Workforce Development Representative, a city government representative, a county government representative, and a local small business representative. / Department of Educational Studies
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/175590 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Coleman, Phillip D. |
| Contributors | Glowacki-Dudka, Michelle |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | vii, 195 leaves : ill., map ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
| Coverage | n-us-ky |
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