Economic Development Networks in Kentucky Appalachia

In this study we explore the patterns of collaboration among the population of economic development organizations (EDOs) in eastern Kentucky. These organizations work to improve the economic conditions of their respective locales in some form or fashion. They operate in a region that has faced many historical barriers to progress, and where resource scarcity has been the norm. In this unique context, a deeper understanding of how these organizations work together might be especially valuable. With the aid of the social network perspective, we examine the patterns of collaboration between 98 EDOs currently operating in the region. Ethnographic fieldwork at the beginning of the study helped bound the study population, and an online survey was used to collect data from EDO leaders. After sharing our methodology, we describe the type of organizations included in the final sample, the range of services they offer, the nature of their collaborative ties, and overall patterns of collaboration. We also provide visualizations that summarize those relational patterns. We conclude with implications from the findings and directions for future research