IT SEEMS rather weird, in a region best known for its mother lode of “You might be a Redneck if ...” material, to talk of the best hope for future prosperity being in the creation of an “intellectual industry.” In reality this is not only possible but Rome/Floyd in particular seem particularly well suited to be such an incubator.

Moreover, the suggestion came from a native son who is quite familiar with both those aspects, Eric Haney.

Haney, originally from Lindale, took up residence in Cave Spring after a highly notable special-forces military career, wrote “Inside Delta Force” and produced the TV series (“The Unit”) stemming from it. Both he and his wife continue to now labor in the vineyards of the “intellectual industry” from home — i.e., Floyd County — and wonder why they must regularly wander to California or New York City to complete projects that could easily be done, and at considerable cost savings, right here.

First speaking to Rome Rotary, and then in an article on these pages, Haney tossed out his idea for consideration. It has considerable merit.

“The ability to think critically and creatively, and to write in a clear and cogent form, has always been a vital skill,” Haney argues, “but now, in the age of e-mail, blogging and twittering, has become more critical than ever. When we take the time, and make the effort, to write thoughtfully, we think, and to think is to grow. I sincerely believe, should we dedicate ourselves to this mission, we could make Rome and Floyd County into a center of Intellectual Industry, not only of the South, but of the nation.

“I CAN THINK of no reason we should not become a center for publishing, for film and television production, for the creative arts, for architecture, advertising, graphic design, engineering — any and all of the other industries based on intellectual property. Because those products of the human mind, those creations of our intellect, can never be taken away, they tremendously value, and always foster, grow and encourage, more of the same kind.”

It probably should come as no surprise that those similarly engaged in making the effort to write thoughtfully, i.e., those attempting to do so for newspapers, would find much merit in this idea. However, there’s far, far more to it than that.

Americans have always prospered because of what is known as “intellectual property.” Some made great fortunes during the industrial age when machine and device patents were the property coming out of minds. Some they largely gave away to the world at large — the Internet is still free although there is money in its associated ventures. And American cultural offerings are, even if not always high-minded, gigantic moneymakers and trendsetters across the globe.

The potential is indeed huge and human thought, inventiveness and entertain-ment currently have nothing but an upside even as the eco-nomic engines of yesteryear sputter.

MANUFACTURING will never again be the American locomotive as making stuff can be done cheaper elsewhere now — often with “intellectual property” first created in the United States. If the country ever needs to “make stuff” again there will be few humans, and many robots, involved.

The current services/retailing economy cannot expand endlessly, as is all too visible today, when it relies on us buying and selling stuff made in China to each other or when our incomes from repairing plumbing go to pay medical bills collected by those who then ask us to fix their plumbing. New wealth is now, and always has been, created by new things.

Something fresher, ever-bubbling and constantly creating new things is needed and that’s where “intellectual property” comes in.

Rome is indeed a most attractive location for such things to happen, though hardly the only one. Being first and most active in its pursuit might well reap huge benefits, however.

The Rome area has much that those who pursue creative pursuits crave and much that those who produce the end product seek in one place.

For producers there are low costs, a good core of resident expertise, vacant facilities easily converted to movie/TV studios and, because of the arrival of the wired (and wireless) world, the ability to be in the center of things anywhere in the world from right here.

FOR CREATORS there is lifestyle, quiet, scenery, four seasons, easy access to the world at large, well-regarded educational institutions (including four colleges), superior health care and more. It’s a good place to live, where neighbors tend to leave each other alone, and a good a place to think and create. And Rome even has a considerable core cultural component and history. For example, the first symphony orchestra in the South having been formed here provides a clue. Sure, there could be, should be, a lot more but that would occur naturally if the audience were enlarged through new arrivals with tastes for such.

Now, nobody should suppose that Disney Studios or similar with “discover” Greater Rome and move its operations here en masse. However, there is much potential for creating alternative workplaces that many of those of creative bent desire. There is much opportunity for a “production company” to start up here and turn into tomorrow’s Disney, or MGM or Sony.

Haney’s intellectual gift to the community is a considerable one even though he’s not talking about giving anything away when he says: “Let’s develop the best part of ourselves: the power of our minds, and sell it at the high price it deserves and demands.”

IT’S NOW UP to community leaders, aided and abetted by local creators of such intellectual property, to put this on their “economic development” radar and explore the possibilities.

Music has already been made here; books written here; movies filmed here in whole or in part; art (and crafts) are readily visible.

Why not build it up, woo more of those thus inclined, start to produce and distribute it here and make money — and a lot of jobs — in the process?

The plot line has already been provided by Haney. Now the community itself has to write the conclusion.