The Local and Regional Economic Development Handbook

Build Prosperous, sustainable and Inclusive Local and Regional Economies

A comprehensive guide to the foundations, themes and delivery of local and regional economic development

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By Dr. Glenn Athey

The comprehensive 500 page (US Royal 5"x9") 191,000 word guide to local and regional economic development that practitioners have been waiting for

This is the first book to offer local, regional and urban economic development and place professionals a definitive reference resource and guide covering the full breadth of their field - including policy, strategy, economics, and intelligence, as well as the delivery activities of enterprise, inward investment, industrial development and clusters, innovation, education, skills, employment, labour markets, poverty, inclusion, place, infrastructure, physical development, low carbon economic development and sustainability.

FOUNDATIONS: Understand why place-based approaches matter, how global megatrends reshape local economies, and how policy, strategy, economics and evidence drive successful interventions.

CORE DELIVERY AREAS: Deep-dive into eight critical disciplines: industrial development and clusters, FDI and inward investment, innovation ecosystems, labour markets, education and skills, economic participation, poverty and inequality, infrastructure and place-making, and climate transition.

PRACTICAL LESSONS: This handbook provides practical lessons and case studies throughout, with 10 workbooks available.

Who This Is For

• Economic development officers and professionals
• Consultants and advisors
• Senior leaders and elected members
• Policy professionals in urban and town planning and real estate
• Students and researchers

Dr Glenn Athey is an economic development professional with three decades of experience across UK regions, and founder of Economic Development World - the professional community supporting practitioners worldwide.

What professionals and experts are saying about this book:

“The breadth and depth of the evidence is impressive, written by someone who has worked extensively in local economic development for many years and is presented in a clear and accessible way. It should be essential reading for all practitioners, policy makers and leaders who want to bring about real change in the places they serve.” PROFESSOR PETER TYLER, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

“Glenn Athey has for decades been a leader in practitioner-based learning of how to understand and address local economic change. This impressive volume is intellectually rigorous and full of insight. Place professionals that need to take the economic consequences of their ‘silo’ actions more seriously should start reading now.” PROFESSOR DUNCAN MACLENNAN, UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

“If you work in economic development, this will become your go-to resource. I love the practical focus, the case studies and the relentless focus on making lives and communities better.” ADAM BREEZE, INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION SPECIALIST, DIRECTOR, STATE OF TENNESSEE FOR UK & IRELAND

“An exceptionally comprehensive and authoritative guide to local and regional economic development, combining deep expertise with practical, real world insight.” BEN GARDINER, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER AND DIRECTOR AT CAMBRIDGE ECONOMETRICS

“This handbook bridges the gap between theory and practice beautifully. A must-read for local government leaders, planners, and economic development professionals alike.” PROFESSOR SAMI MAHROUM, CEO, SPARK X, A POLICY ADVISORY FIRM

“A ‘must have’ for anyone in the place-based economic field and provides valuable insights from Glenn’s extensive practical experience.” SARAH MURRAY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FORTH GREEN FREEPORT

“This is a must read book and an added value accessary to anyone involved in economic development. You will learn a lot from his book and it is articulated in a way where you can translate good practice into your own locality.” CLIVE GIBBON, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES MANAGER, BOLTON COUNCIL