Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Study
Brett Levanto and Mehs Ess, graduate students in the College of William and Mary's Thomas Jefferson Program in Public Policy recently completed the study, Regional Economic Development: An Analysis of Practices, Resources and Outcomes for Virginia's Gateway Region. Dr. David Finifter served as their faculty advisor. Below is an excerpt from the study (FULL REPORT).
The purpose of our study was to examine the relationship between economic development outcomes and the variables that surround the work of Economic Development Organizations. We used this analysis to try to interpret a series of "best practices" that migh help to focus the efforts of these EDOs as they attempt to improve their work. Based upon the high level of diversity from one region to the next, it is very difficult to specify a laundry list of actions that best inform development. However, from our work, it has been possible to highlight certain areas in which an organization's focus might best be directed to engender development.
The first is relationship building. Our general survey analysis highlighted the variability of resources and goals that exists among the regions in our population. Beyond a heavy reliance on manufacturing development and highway infrastructure, there is no common thread that unites these regions more than the need to build and maintain relationships. Developing these connections requires a high level of cooperation within inter-regional groups and governments, and extends to the companies and site selection consultants who mark regions for development.
