You may not believe this, but economic development has something to learn from Iron Man. When Tony Stark and his “super suit” enter a combat zone, his technology scans the environment: inhabitants, structural deficiencies, assets, and potential pitfalls. This evaluation, although quick, provides him with the information necessary to efficiently apply his resources (e.g., weapons) and leave the zone on top (i.e., unscathed).

Communities investing in manufacturing and economic development apply the same techniques as Iron Man, working in a region, scanning the environment, and applying resources (e.g., tax incentives, workforce development, and infrastructure upgrades) to come out on top with robust economic growth.

It’s no secret that government budgets are tight. Everyone wants to find the most productive use for funds, and in the recovering economy, job growth is a high priority. According to the Economic Policy Institute, manufacturing has played a leading role in the nation’s economic recovery, adding 504,000 jobs between February 2010, when manufacturing employment fell to its lowest point, and October 2012. These 504,000 jobs constituted 11.1 percent of the 4.5 million jobs created during that period.

 …