Production vs. consumption

I am writing a report/set of recommendations on a commercial district in Pittsburgh. One of the things we are recommending is an increased and enhanced focus on entrepreneurial business development. But not just for retail, but of other types of craft and microindustrial businesses.

In talking about this with the lead consultant, I spouted off the phrase "production vs. consumption."

Most commercial district revitalization is about making it easier to consume (to buy) stuff, much of it unnecessary. It's about consumption. But the creative economy is in large part about production. (Not just the arts and museums and more consumption but of arts and cultural experiences.)

I had an e-conversation a couple weeks ago with Roberta Gratz (author of two fabulous books on revitalization, Cities Back from the Edge : New Life for Downtown and The Living City : How America's Cities Are Being Revitalized by Thinking Small in a Big Way) and she queried me about my familiarity with Jane Jacobs' Economy of Cities and Cities and the Wealth of Nations.... which I need to re-read.