International commerce has been redefined for the 21st century. Advances in technology and new trading blocs are diminishing national borders and fusing commercial markets. A new knowledge base and a greater understanding of other cultures have impacted the way we live and work.

Economic success depends on how well communities and regions adapt to the “new rules of engagement.”

For the past year, myregion.org has been working to assist government, business, institutions and the citizenry of the seven-county region to understand this new, integrated world economy and to define how the Central Florida region fits into it. Through myregion.org, we are developing a common framework for thought and action that will ensure our collective future success.

As global leaders in tourism and space, Central Florida is already connected to a number of world centers, but have we maximized and protected this nitch and are we exploring new venues in which to compete?

It is critical that we identify and understand the opportunities, challenges and threats facing the region before we attempt to develop a regional agenda – an agenda that the region’s stakeholders can take ownership of, and champion, at every level, in every board room and at every commission meeting.

As you can see from this map, the highly fragmented nature of the region’s public, private, and institutional sectors is the barrier that keeps us apart. (click map to enlarge)

Fragmentation is preventing our region from building new relationships and enhancing existing partnerships that will allow us to work together effectively as a global competitor. Developing coalitions and building consensus will provide a powerful force in promoting regional strategies and in leveraging individual and regional strengths and assets. Only then we will succeed in this 21st century economy and maintain a high quality of life for our citizens today and for generations to come.