“...I’m an outsider and I can tell you 10 good reasons right now...why one of your colleagues who is not in Rhode Island needs to be in Rhode Island...” said Seline, who has been commissioned by the foundation and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce to compile a report on the economic strengths and weaknesses of the capital and the state.

Seline’s evaluation will become the “Knowledge Economy Roadmap” for Providence and will “reflect the role of diverse, statewide assets,” according to the chamber. That report is due out by March, but at the foundation’s 33rd annual meeting on Jan. 8, Seline offered a glimpse of his findings so far.

Providence, Seline said, is well positioned for a knowledge-based economic boost. He lauded Providence and Rhode Island for having intellectual capital – both through higher-learning institutions and up-and-coming groups, including the Providence Geeks. He said there is “incredible” strength in product ideas in Providence.

But he said he hasn’t seen the type of “trust” that is necessary for that growth. He’s only seen intensive networking and free-sharing of ideas through the Providence Geeks and smaller organizations, he said, before offering some advice: The state’s universities should form stronger bonds between their research facilities.