Richard Florida and colleagues have done it again with another outstanding study on the creative class. This time the study shows how the university can create an atmosphere that will address the three Ts – technology, talent and tolerance. Although Blacksburg and Roanoke are not featured in the study, Charlottesville is.

He created the BDGI index (Brain Drain/Gain Index) by dividing the percentage of adults over 25 years old with a bachelor’s degree or higher by the percentage of the 18-34 population enrolled in post-secondary education. Greater than 1.0 is a brain gain region and only 10 percent of the 331 metro areas (or 33 regions) have greater than 1.0. The remaining 90% have less than 1.0, which means brain drain.    

The study also recommends older industrial cities – like a Roanoke – future economic prosperity rests on forming more super-regional strategies with major university center in its periphery such as Virginia Tech, UVa, and other institutions of higher education in the region.

Ultimately, young adults is the center and focus of this intersting study, and is a must read for all people working on economic and regional issues.