(October 14, 2020 - New York City) – The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) today published its latest book, From Connectivity to Community. Written for community leaders, economic development professionals, legislators, educators and business leaders, the book provides principles and roadmaps for achieving local economic, social and cultural growth amid the immense disruptions of the digital age.

Growth in the local economy, in the social richness of a community and in its traditions and culture are the things that make a community worth living in. It is what attracts outsiders to settle there, what keeps people and employers from moving away, and what makes possible every other thing residents love about the place called home. Today those things are under siege all over the world from massive waves of change in the economy, in society and in culture generated by technology change.

From Connectivity to Community is a guide, based on 20 years of research and work with communities, to a new approach to economic development that will enable towns, cities and regions to adapt, survive and thrive amid the storm. It outlines the ICF Method, a new and proven approach to economic development that is more inclusive, strengthens society and enriches local culture.
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“A future of growth is a possibility for nearly every town, city or region, regardless of size, wealth or location,” said lead author Robert Bell. “We know this because we have seen it at work in places with 5,000 residents and 5 million, in cities, suburbs and communities isolated from others by hundreds of miles of plains, forests and mountains. The journey begins when community leaders start thinking differently about the place they call home.”

From Connectivity to Community is available for purchase on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. Click here to get the book. Previous books from ICF include Brain Gain: How Innovative Cities Create Job Growth in an Age of Disruption and Broadband Economies.

About the Intelligent Community Forum
The Intelligent Community Forum (www.intelligentcommunity.org), headquartered in New York, is a global network of 180 cities, metro regions and counties with a think tank at its heart and a mission to make everyone’s “hometown” at great place. ICF studies and promotes the best practices of the world's Intelligent Communities as they adapt to the new demands and seize the opportunities presented by broadband and digital technology. To help cities and regions build prosperous economies, solve social problems and enrich local cultures, the Intelligent Community Forum conducts research, hosts events around the globe, publishes books, and produces its high-profile annual international awards program. The Forum sponsors research Institutes in North America dedicated to the study of the movement, and national organizations in Canada and Taiwan, both home to many Intelligent Communities. In 2012 ICF was invited to participate at the Nobel Peace Prize conference in Oslo and in 2014, its model and work was recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which, according to the American government, was "aimed at creating a more flexible and responsive system of workforce development to meet the needs of employers looking to fill 21st century jobs.” For more information, go to www.intelligentcommunity.org/icf_membership. For more details on the Intelligent Community Forum’s recent publications and programs, www.intelligentcommunity.org.

Intelligent Community Forum Contacts
Matthew Owen, Director of Operations, Intelligent Community Forum
Phone: +1 646-291-6166 (x105)
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @Newcommunities

Victoria Krisman, Communications Manager, Intelligent Community Forum
Email: [email protected]