Earlier this month, REALNEO IT Analyst Derek Arnold attended the O'Reilly Open Source Convention and Drupal Conference in Portland, Oregon, and he brought back more than new code, knowledge and relationships - he brought back the State of Oregon's vision of being "an epicenter for Open Technology (Linux and Open Source-enabled hardware, software and services)". The State of NEO needs to embrace such a vision!

From Oregon's Economic and Community Development Department, a brochure explains "Oregon's soil is rich in Open Technology nutrients. It is hard to imagine anywhere else in the world that has our assets. We provide a greenhouse for nurturing the development of new businesses and services, and attracting companies from around the world to locate here at the epicenter of Open Technology" - signed, Governor Ted Kulongoski.

While it is unlikely Ohio's governor is aware there is such a thing as open source technology, we in NEO must know better and strive to match Oregon's claims. Oregon promotes "Open expertise and skilled workers", including "Depth in open source and Linux skills that extend to software, hardware and services". "Geographic and virtual access", including "Advanced telecommunications services through world-class fiber optic backbone networks". "Innovative industries". "Venture and business finance". "Favorable business tax climate".

Oregon also promotes their high Gen-X quality of life - "Shorter commutes", "Senic beauty", "Recreational diversity", and "Arts and culture".

NEO must compete on all these points - and may. Our recent Digital Cities recognition from Intel is proof of our potential offered through our "Advanced telecommunications services through world-class fiber optic backbone networks". Rebecca Ryan, of Next Generation Consulting, and Tom Schorgl, of Community Partnership for Arts and Culture, can well speak for our high Gen-X quality of life. We have innovative businesses and we have the education underpinnings to develop "Open expertise and skilled workers". We have a great foundation in place for making NEO as "Open for business" as Oregon.

Where we are weak is our unfavorable business tax climate and a lack of leadership vision - at all levels - that recognizes that open source and open collaboration is the future of information technology and the new economy. We don't just lack a state brochure promoting our "ideal climate for nurturing ideas and businesses", but we lack the "social mindset... conducive to Open Source development", as Linux creator Linus Torvalds describes Oregon. He goes on to say, about Oregon, "The value system fits - there's a better balance between competition and collaboration. In most places, money is the driver. Here, it's the idea that counts."

NEO wants fresh ideas and one place to look for open thought leadership is Oregon. REALNEO went to Oregon for open ideas, and the knowledge we gained is invaluable. What we didn't see there was anyone else from Ohio looking for the same.