What must Michigan do about worst economy in nation? Move away from manufacturing, towards knowledge economy?
We have highest unemployment rate because we are overly dependent on manufacturing, especiall automobiles. Since we are no longer competetive in that area, we should push hard into the high technology. lnowledge-based, information economy. University of Michigan and Michigan State are two of the best research universities in the country. They can adequately support such an economy by providing highly educated workers and vast amounts of research. The state also has an abundance of highly rated smaller state and private colleges. This provides the basis for a knowledge driven economy.
Automobile manufacturing will continue to decline, and even that which remains will demand highly trained technology workers as the tasks currently performed by uneducated workers become automated. Michigan’s young people must realize the days of highly paid manufacturing jobs for unskilled workers are gone forever. Older workers may last until retirement, but younger ones must be retrained to survive.
The manufacturing sector is pretty much, sadly, almost gone in the US. Its time to invest more in areas where the economy can grow. This is not to say that those who were hurt by manufacturing decrease should be left behind. They should be given education and skills for today’s economy. Knowledge-based can work well. Here are some good sectors-
Technology- would be a good area. There is more growth in it. Perhaps we can have more R&D. Research and Development. Give more of those– investment. And incentives. That should get more jobs and more people researching and helping to create technology that is more advanced and strong (helping our economy and Michigan’s).
Alternate energy- Yeah its risky..And yes not many have done this so far. But its a growing area. More companies are producing products that use completely or just a part of alternate energy. I think people could work here and get jobs from it.
Healthcare. Danajaan is right. Healthcare is growing and more people need healthcare these days. There is really high demand for health/doctor in America. So this would be a great place for jobs.
Hope this helps. I think everyone (I do) agree with ya. 
Oshkosh Corporation to bring jobs to Warren, Michigan: Warren Busines Center (Leedership, LLC)