Key Considerations in Using and Providing Data

Package data and analysis for laymen

Data produced by both states and regions can be useful to a variety of stakeholders, both within and outside of the specific sector initiative. Care should be taken to present the data in a user-friendly way that supports action, rather than data for data’s sake. Raw data can and should also be provided to those who have the need and capacity to use it, but it is important to take into account the audience for any data product.

Accommodate real labor market regions

One of the defining characteristics of sector strategies is that they seek to look beyond arbitrary geo-political boundaries in order to understand the real labor market for the given industry. However, this can cause real problems for data availability. State LMI offices can help sector initiatives by being willing to provide data for custom geographies.

Review Data Regularly

As described above, in 2004 Pennsylvania conducted a detailed data analysis and identified nine key industry clusters for the state. But the state’s economy has changed since 2004, and in 2008 they overhauled their target industry list. Changes included adding Energy as a cluster, and eliminating some clusters and sub-clusters while promoting other sub-clusters to be standalone. This kind of review is particularly important in Pennsylvania, as regions pursuing Industry Partnerships in industries NOT on the list must demonstrate that labor market analysis has been conducted to identify the importance of the cluster to the region.

Use Data for Credibility and Buy-in

Providing and analyzing data to support your regional initiatives can be a very effective tool in establishing credibility with both the private and public sector partners. This data can be prepared for state level initiatives (as in a statewide health care initiative) or in support of regional initiatives.