Report: "Navigating the New Realities of the North Shore"Frequently Asked Questions
What is a scenario?
A scenario is a story about the future. It is not a forecast or a prediction. It is simply a story about what the future might be like if certain things that are beyond our control were to happen.
Are these scenarios predictions of the future?
No. Scenarios involve projections of what the future might hold based on a certain set of circumstances. They are not predictions, nor is any one scenario favored as a better future for Northeast Ohio.
Are these scenarios part of a strategic plan?
Yes, the objective is to help Northeast Ohio’s diverse organizations agree on how best to address future challenges and opportunities to make the region excel in entrepreneurship and innovation. Instead of using a top-down “master planning” approach, NorTech is using scenarios to help the region plot a reasonable, prudent course with lots of options and flexibility to adjust to changing regional and global forces. To see the latest activities that have resulted from this work, click on Current Projects in the top level navigation or visit www.nortech.org.
Who developed these scenarios?
The scenarios were developed as part of an effort led by NorTech, the region’s technology-based economic development organization. The process has included meetings with representatives of dozens of institutions, companies and organizations that are committed to enhancing innovation and the use of technology in Northeast Ohio. The individual scenarios were written by Chris Varley, Vice President of NorTech, based on the ideas and issues raised during those meetings.
How will these scenarios guide our future actions?
Stories are incredibly powerful tools for discovering what the consequences of our actions today might really be in the future. They also help us better understand the kinds of things we can control—along with the things we can’t. The four scenarios we’ve presented here provide a common framework for discussion and planning. They give different groups a common language they can use when talking to each other about what the future might bring, and what the consequences of our actions today could be tomorrow. A number of groups are developing strategies or Action Plans for their organizations to help the region take advantage of the opportunities and benefit from the changes envisioned in the various scenarios. These Action Plans will not necessarily reference the scenarios directly, but when viewed against the scenarios it is easier to see where and how various organizations are placing their “bets,” the ways in which the efforts of different organizations complement each other, and how well prepared as a region we are for whatever “world” the future may actually bring. Some examples of the areas these action plans are expected to address can be found in the Getting Involved section of the site. If you’d like to get more involved yourself, contact us through the Feedback page.