Perspectives on industrial modernization from the North: The Greater Springfield Massachusetts Metalworking sector in transition Robert Forrant
	Department of Policy and Planning College of Management Univ of Massachusetts, Lowell 1 University Ave. Lowell, MA 01854
	e-mail: rforrant@external.umass.edu Biographical sketch
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Dr. Forrant is an assistant professor in the Policy and Planning Department, in the College of Management at the University of Massachusetts Lowell where he teaches courses on regional development, industrial competitiveness, human resources management, and issues related to technology acquisition and shop-floor work reorganization.

He is currently co-director of the University of Massachusetts Lowell's $400,000 grant from the U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Development to expand university outreach and economic development activities in Lowell. He has completed numerous industry sector studies for various state and local development organizations in Massachusetts. Dr. Forrant has worked as a consultant to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Massachusetts manufacturing extension program, the Hampden County Regional Employment Board, the National Tooling and Machining Association, and numerous other education and training organizations. He also serves as International Project Coordinator for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization on manufacturing network and training projects in Jamaica and Honduras. Dr. Forrant served as the Director of the Machine Action Project from 1986 - 1993 (MAP). MAP, a network of training, education, and industry leaders, played a leading role in Massachusetts in manufacturing revitalization.

From 1974 - 1986 Dr. Forrant worked as a machinist in several industries, including plastics processing, cutlery, and a 1,500 person metalworking facility producing diesel fuel injection systems for automobiles and trucks. At the later, he served as the elected business agent for the union for six years.

Dr. Forrant was awarded a PhD in history from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1994.