Economic Development Strategies and Programs

Our practice

Economic Development Research Group (EDR Group) evaluates current economic development performance and projects, and identifies future opportunities for targeted growth and business cluster development for communities and regions. Staff of EDR Group apply state-of-the-art methods to evaluate current economic development strengths and weaknesses, assess future opportunities and threats, and help chart an economic strategy for your future. As consultants, we build our analysis around a careful and thoughtful approach to distinguish (a) the economic role and significance of existing programs, industries and infrastructure in today’s economy, from (b) the potential economic impact and development opportunity associated with future programs, policies and projects. In accomplishing this, we design and apply surveys, conduct interviews and apply economic models to conduct industry-level analysis for any area, including studies with a community, state/province, or international focus.

Our experience

Economic Development Evaluation - Program evaluations and needs assessment for: Appalachian Regional Commissions local investment program and projects (13 states), Community development programs of utility companies (serving 6 states), MetroWest Chamber of Commerce and Tri-Center Region (Mass.), Development Authority of the North Country (New York), Connecticut Dept. of Economic Development, Enterprise Zones and Downtown Revitalization (US Small Business Administration)

Strategy Development - Business opportunity forecasting and targeting for regions of Pennsylvania, New York and Mississippi; Economic development strategy for Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and Southwest Florida Regional Planning Commission; Export cluster development for Appalachian Region; International cargo gateway for British Columbia; Globalization of technology & the economy; Telecommunications-based development in North Country (NYS) and the Netherlands.

Descriptions of selected projects.
Economic Development Market Analysis and Strategy

Our articles and models

As part of our consulting practice, EDR Group staff have authored guides and studies on evaluation of economic development programs, performance and targeting. They have pioneered development of tools to evaluate regional economic perfomance and industry cluster development opportunities, and the application of economic forecasting and impact analysis tools to assess industry impacts of programs and policies. We apply these analysis tools as part of our consulting services to evaluate economic development opportunities and impacts associated with policies and investment projects. Click below for descriptions of our Economic Development Performance and Targeting Models.

LEAP - Local Economic Assessment Package - Economic Performance, Competitiveness and Targeting Tools

 

EDOPT - Economic Development Organization Performance Tracker - Project Status & Performance Monitoring Database Software