In February 2006, ETA launched the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative, focusing on the role of talent development in driving regional economic competitiveness, leading to increased job growth and new opportunities for American workers.  To optimize innovation and successful regional economic transformation, the WIRED framework brings together all the key players in a region to leverage their collective public and private sector assets and resources, and to devise strategies that focus on infrastructure, investment, and talent development.

The WIRED strategic framework supports regions in incorporating demand-driven talent and skills development into their larger economic strategies and integrating workforce development, economic development, and education efforts into a comprehensive system that is both flexible and responsive to the needs of business and workers.  More information and tools to help implement a WIRED strategic framework can be found at www.doleta.gov/WIRED.

As stated in See 72 Fed. Reg. 44576 (August 8, 2007), regions are typically defined as geographically contiguous areas and can include multiple counties and cities and cross state lines.  A range of factors contribute to the formation of a region, including economic interdependence (such as a common industry or industries) and shared assets (such as human capital, research and development entities, educational institutions, and airports and other types of infrastructure).  ETA encourages applicants to define local high-growth industries in the context of their regional economy by illustrating how the industry is aligned with and fits into the region’s economic development activities.