It is common for Rhode Island economic-development officials to say that we live in a regional economy, not one defined by state borders.

Business success in Fall River helps feed the economic engine in Providence. Talented people working in Warwick will attract others who live in Swansea. We know this to be true.

So, when the National Science Foundation presents Early Career Development Awards to three University of Massachusetts Dartmouth professors, it is important that we all cheer them for their success and support them as they look to revolutionize their fields of research.

It should not be difficult to link the talents of UMass Dartmouth faculty to the Greater Providence economy. After all, while it is 31 miles from Providence Business News’ Westminster Street offices in Providence to the University of Rhode Island, according to Mapquest.com, it is 29 miles to UMass Dartmouth.

In a world in which innovation is the light that illuminates the future of any economy, these academics are creating the next generation of torches, ones that we all can use. •