Regional Benchmarking

International Benchmarking

Regional Growth Strategies

Regional Impact Assessment

Cluster Mapping

Regional Models

Regional Benchmarking

We benchmark regional competitiveness based on an OECD growth model for the knowledge-based economy. Our work with regional competitiveness shows that differences in regional productivity growth are explained by four new growth drivers: Human resources, entrepreneurship, innovation and ICT. At the same time our analyses show that regions with good policies in these four areas have better economic performance.

A benchmarking study can help regions build strategies to strive for unique advantage. It also allows for spotting regions in which new learning and inspiration can be found. 

International Benchmarking

We benchmark regions internationally to find their global potential and to identify key competitors and potential partners for growth. Metropolitan regions and cities are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy, and the factors determining city growth and wealth is our expertise.

Together with international partners from leading institutes in Europe, we provide regions and cities with studies, reports and strategic advice on how to grow and develop.

Regional Growth Strategies

We advise regions on the key drivers of economic growth and we help regions to growth and innovation. We help policy makers to achieve informed decision through fact-based and policy-relevant analyses. We work with a strategy process model with front-end involvement of the private sector.

We help regions improve and develop cluster-based strategies. The cluster strategy is an effective way to economic change because it is market-driven and value creating. It is also strategic, and we help stakeholders create a strategic vision of their region's economy and provide the motivation and commitment to action.

Regional Impact Assessment

Regional programs and policies are meant to enhance growth and employment – but do they? Do the programs and policies all work equally well? These are the questions we answer when we use regional impact assessments to evaluate the overall impacts of a new program or policy on a region’s economy in terms of jobs, income and welfare. Through impact assessments we also provide advice on how to change programs and policies in order to improve the economic impact.

Regional economic impact assessments inform policy makers about good and bad policies, and help them improve the use of public funds for the benefit of the regions. Used in a dynamic feedback system, repeated impact assessment can enhance the effect of public investment by up to a factor of two. Can we help you double the effect of your efforts? Learn from the best.

Cluster Mapping

Clusters are important for regional economic development. Policymakers care about clusters and their geographical location, because clusters are associated with economic gains. Membership of clusters and inter-firm networks are believed to enhance productivity and the competitive performance of firms. We apply quantitative methods to identify and analyse clusters.

We can identify and analyse the clusters in your region and benchmark their performance with clusters elsewhere in Europe. Based on in-depth studies of key clusters we can develop strategies for further growth and value creation in the key clusters.

Regional Models

Regional economies are complex. We build economic models of regions to evaluate the extended economic impact of major policy changes. Changes in taxation, road pricing or new rules for regional transfers can be modelled and evaluated using advanced models. New major infrastructure investments may also alter the region’s economy in fundamental ways. We can evaluate the dynamic and strategic effects of such changes for your economy.

Our regional models are complex, but yet flexible and policy-oriented. While the models might seem like computer games for regional policy makers, the scenario building and scenario evaluations are very intuitive excercises and we assist you through the process.