The region, while often thought of as flat and boring, is actually quite geographically diverse. It also produces 99% of the worlds wheat! (Shelley 216). There is also great potential here for wind energy.
People in the area are also working to diversify their economy so they are less dependent on agriculture. The agriculturally based economy has historically been detrimental to the Great Plains. Most notably, the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression in the 1930's had horrific consequences to the landscape and the peoples' livelihood.
The population here is moving toward a more urban environment. Several Universities in the region are helping greatly transition to a more urban area that focuses on Tertiary and Quaternary sector activities. Major colleges exist in most every major city of the Great Plains. Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Kansas City, and Omaha all have large universities that have helped greatly create a more urban and diverse population and economy.
Universities in Philly have also been very important. Colleges in here are well known for their academic prestige (and being in a great college town). Notable universities in the Philly region: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University, La Salle, Chesnut Hill College, Temple University, Drexel University and Thomas Jefferson Medical University. Many of these are research colleges with highly acclaimed graduate programs. 
UPenn, Drexel, Temple, and Jefferson all boast excellent medical programs. As a result, the hospitals around Philadelphia are known for their excellence. According to US News, 21 out of the 93 hospitals in the Philadelphia metropolitan area are listed as top-ranking.
These excellent universities add to the city's diversity, intelligence and overall economy. The colleges in the Great Plains will continue to help the region prosper and transition toward a new economy.
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| The UPenn campus in the foreground and Philly skyline behind |
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