Last October, while learning about Europe on a Marshall Memorial Fellowship, I gained some insight about Georgia.
In Copenhagen, a newspaper editor stated that after working forever in lockstep with the U.S., he foresaw Denmark looking toward China to partner on clean energy and other issues. In Brussels, leaders half-jokingly dreamed of a Chinese financial bailout of Europe. In Belgrade, a Chinese company will build a bridge over the Danube using Chinese workers.
What does this have to do with Georgia? A lot. The Europeans I met viewed China less as a threat than as an opportunity for economic growth. Although not entirely at ease with China, Europe has deftly adapted to a world in which China is a primary player. In this, there are several lessons for how Georgia might adjust course.
Lesson 1: Adapt to a bigger world
The Peach State needs a new state of mind. Our provincial habit of comparing ourselves to other Southeastern states holds us back. Standing alone, we have the 28th-largest economy in the world. Like much of Europe, we need to look outward for markets for our goods while building livable cities that attract talented people. If we are more globally minded and connected, we can take better advantage of emerging trends.
Lesson 2: Thrive as an export economy
In southwest Georgia, Chinese demand for pecans and cotton already drives crop selection. Domestic demand will not support the economic growth we need. Our future, like Germany’s or Sweden’s, requires a strong export economy. Fortunately, we have the ability to meet the demands of a growing global middle class because our goods and services appeal to a global audience and we have the world’s busiest airport and one of America’s great seaports.
Lesson 3: Use our soft power
What comes to mind when you think of Switzerland? Mountains, watches, chocolate, skiing, “The Sound of Music”? Many European countries have boosted their economies by “managing their brand” brilliantly. We need to do the same. If we focus on what we are good at, relentlessly promote it and keep our standards high, Georgia’s profile and influence will rise.
What’s our soft power? “Gone With the Wind,” Coca-Cola, hospitality, hip-hop, peaches, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Hartsfield-Jackson? Whatever the answer, we must do a better job wielding soft power to build opportunity.
Lesson 4: Collaborate to win
In Europe’s south and east, low bids from Chinese competitors undercut European companies. Here, counties routinely poach companies from their neighbors. These are zero-sum games that weaken competitiveness. The most effective states leverage regional strengths to avoid a race to the bottom. We need a vision for statewide prosperity that gives each region a critical role supported by strategic investments.
Lesson 5: Invest in people and places
Much of Europe does an excellent job investing in cities and education. The result: dynamic places that are attractive regardless of economic winds. If we can do the same to complement our innovation, history and economic strengths, we can reassert Georgia as the best place to live and work in the country.
A more connected, competitive world requires that Georgia raise its game. Opportunity abounds. We can be the place where the biggest questions are being asked and the best ideas come to life. Whatever our challenges, we have enormous assets that make us capable of being a national and global player. Let’s seize the opportunity with renewed vision, focus and unity.
Amir Farokhi is executive director of Georgia Forward.
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