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Barriers and Drivers to Accessing and Using Workforce and Technical Assistance Resources for Small and Medium Manufacturers (SMMs) in Rural Regions

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Lyon-Hill
  • Margaret Cowell
  • Scott Tate
  • Albert Alwang

Abstract

Workforce shortages and market shifts have left many small and medium manufacturers (SMMs) struggling to maintain their operations. Still some SMMs tend not to utilize the workforce development and technical assistance resources available to them. This is particularly true of those in more rural regions where manufacturing is even more essential to the sustained vitality of these economies. This study explores the factors preventing these firms from pursuing and accessing these services. The authors used surveys and interviews to engage manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees in rural Southwestern Virginia and identify factors limiting their participation in these services. Findings indicate constant and consistent outreach to SMMs, regular engagement in social and economic networks, and a diverse array of services tailored to rural SMMs’ needs to play key roles in developing productive partnerships between SMMs and resource providers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Lyon-Hill & Margaret Cowell & Scott Tate & Albert Alwang, 2019. "Barriers and Drivers to Accessing and Using Workforce and Technical Assistance Resources for Small and Medium Manufacturers (SMMs) in Rural Regions," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 33(1), pages 51-60, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecdequ:v:33:y:2019:i:1:p:51-60
    DOI: 10.1177/0891242418816380
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Greenberg, Elizabeth & Reeder, Richard J., 1998. "Who Benefits from Business Assistance Programs? Results of the ERS Rural Manufacturing Survey," Agricultural Information Bulletins 33727, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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    3. Wojan, Tim & Parker, Timothy, 2017. "Innovation in the Rural Nonfarm Economy: Its Effect on Job and Earnings Growth, 2010-2014," Economic Research Report 264596, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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