Not because they weren’t smart. Not because they didn’t work hard.

But because nobody had ever explained to them what economic development actually is.

What is the mission? What is the function? What are the dilemmas you’ll face when public purpose and private interest pull in different directions? How do you make choices when everything feels urgent and the resources are never enough?

This is particularly true of people coming in from a business background. The private sector logic they’ve built their careers on doesn’t always translate. The public sector context, the policy environment, the accountability structures — these take time to internalise.

If you want capable people to perform – give them the foundation and framework to succeed.

2 weeks of reading and reflection from my Handbook vs. 2 years of finding out from disparate, partial sources?

“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, Inward Investment Consultant

👉 lredhandbook.com

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