Insights Archives

Ever had that strange feeling that people are talking about you while you are in the room? We did while at Minnesota Compass' Annual Meeting "Minnesota next: Millennials, leadership, and the information economy." We were amongst 13% of the self-identified Millennial population in the room. Having served on the core team for the Minnesota Rising Cascading Conversations Tour over the past two years, we had a particular interest in data and trends related to the rising generation in our state.

What can we expect for 2014? The trends people follow, and which they hope to foresee for the future, depend upon their goals. At Wilder Research, we strive to make Minnesota a better place for all. So, below appear some trends of importance to watch, for those of us in the business of building human capital and improving communities' quality of life.

Compass researchers share the trends (and accompanying graphs) they found most meaningful or surprising in 2013.

Data for the proportion of adults working in Minnesota were recently released. Former Compass researcher Jane Tigan provides some insight into what these numbers tell us.

A School Readiness Report Card prepared by Wilder Research for the Minnesota Office of Early Learning shows systemic challenges that begin before birth. Wilder Research Senior Manager Richard Chase lays them out.

A new report based on the 2012 statewide homeless study conducted by Wilder Research was released in September. Study Directors Greg Owen and Michelle Decker Gerrard share key findings.

Minnesota Compass is pleased to introduce a new STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) section that was developed in partnership with Boston Scientific and with the guidance of an advisory committee. Caryn Mohr, lead researcher for the project, answers FAQs about the project, its implementation, and examples of what the information can tell us.

Marilee Grant, Boston Scientific community relations director, explains why measures of STEM success and proven strategies for action are important to Minnesota's bright future and vibrant economy.

Former Compass Project Manager Craig Helmstetter looks at the most recent U.S. Census data and highlights 5 poverty trends to watch.

Stacey Millett, senior program officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, talks to Minnesota Compass about the Foundation's work, Equity in Action, and how the Foundation is responding to the arrival of health care exchanges.