Information Technology and Economics for Sustainable Development

Rensselaer Strategic Investment Grant, 1999-2000

Project Summary

This grant supported an investment in an IT-Economics computer laboratory, infrastructure for large enrollment laptop economics courses, development of laboratory and teaching materials for incorporating geographical information systems (GIS) analysis, and an IT-intensive course in regional economics. This initial investment helped merge four areas of strategic promise in the Economics Department: the IT-Economics undergraduate degree, the economics of technology and structural change, regional economic development, and GIS economic and demographic analysis. For example, in the Regional Economics course, students used two major informational tools extensively. The first is an extensive Geographical Information System (GIS) database supplied by MapInfo, Inc. an industry leader in GIS software development. We have been working closely with MapInfo in developing departmental resources, as well as negotiating the university-wide donation of software and technical support. The second information system used in the course is IMPLAN (Impact Analysis for Planning), a software and database for constructing input-output tables at the regional level. Four groups of students in our class used these two systems to analyze regional economies at the county level (Albany, Saratoga, Rensselaer, and Warren), and evaluate various economic impact scenarios. Each of these studies was done in the context of achieving healthy and sustainable local economies. As a final project for this class, each group member chose a development issue in their study region, conducted their own analysis, and wrote a short article.