Following a nEw Economic DEvElopmEnt playbook Recognizing what successfully drives economic growth fundamentally changes the approach that economic developers use to build place-based economies. Observing and quantifying them allows us to shape policies and best practices that position our states’ and our country’s economies for success today and tomorrow. After three years as Maryland’s chief “jobs” executive, I believe the most important role an economic development agency can play is as convener, coordinator, and collaborator. having run a number of start-up companies and worked in strategic consulting and regional development prior to government, the strategies put forth in this article originate from proven practices of venturebacked entrepreneurs more so than those traditionally practiced by economic development organiza