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13 <br />Knowledge: V4 <br />Current Data, Expert Analysis, Best Practices oRN 1.�h <br />C: 'o .,k De.ebpmtnt <br />Cammnswn <br />1. Increase collaboration and engagement with the Research <br />Triangle Regional Partnership <br />2. Invest in value- adding economic development - related <br />research performed by UNC, NC State, Duke, NC <br />Biotechnology Center <br />3. Enter into a one -year research contract with economic <br />development specialists at UNC - Chapel Hill in 2010, with <br />annual follow -on data acquisition, analysis, and strategic <br />planning research contracts each year through FY 2016 <br />One of Orange County's least- recognized assets is being in the heart of a region that is <br />in the planet's top 3, 5, and 10 in 11 major industry clusters and even more sub - <br />clusters. Another under - utilized asset is our proximity to RTRP, RTP, and UNC, <br />organizations comprised of some of the world's most successful, innovative, and cutting <br />edge leaders whose expertise is based on data, analysis, and experience. Whereas the <br />state of North Carolina and many of its counties have taken advantage of RTRP's, RTP's, <br />and UNC's world -class economic development expertise, Orange County has not. As a <br />result, policy makers have not had consistent and thorough access to key data and <br />metrics nor have we utilized benchmarks to monitor results or studied best practices to <br />inform our policies. None of this data collection or analyses can occur without funding. <br />Moreover, without ongoing engagement by Orange County policy- makers with RTRP, <br />RTP, and UNC experts, there is no basis for two -way information sharing <br />