What professionals and experts are saying about The Local and Regional Economic Development Handbook

“Virtually all OECD countries have significant geographical disparities in economic prosperity between their cities and regions. Their less prosperous areas have struggled to adjust to the challenges posed by globalisation and structural change. Local and regional governments have deployed a significant range of local economic development policies. Whilst the need for policy makers to be able to help local areas build prosperous, sustainable and inclusive local and regional economies has probably never been greater there is a lack of good quality guidance to assist policy makers. Glenn Athey’s Local and regional Economic Development Handbook admirably fills this gap.
The book provides a comprehensive and extensive analysis as to why place based policy interventions matter and how interventions in the core delivery areas of enterprise and innovation, employment and skills, inclusion, place making and climate transition can be shaped to deliver successful outcomes. It also contains a wealth of practical lessons drawn from case study examples. 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, EMERITUS PROFESSOR OF URBAN AND REGIONAL ECONOMICS, DEPARTMENT OF LAND ECONOMY, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE AND EMERITUS PROFESSORIAL FELLOW AT ST CATHARINE’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE

“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

“This handbook is an exceptionally comprehensive and authoritative guide to local and regional economic development, in which Glenn has combined deep expertise with practical, real world insight. Its clear structure, strong evidence base, and actionable frameworks make it an invaluable resource for practitioners, policymakers, and leaders seeking to deliver meaningful economic change. Highly recommended!”
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

“This economic development handbook is a ‘must have’ for anyone in the place-based economic field and provides valuable insights from Glenn’s extensive practical experience which is grounded in strong evidence and research.”
SARAH MURRAY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FORTH GREEN FREEPORT

“Based on more than three decades of experience in the field, this handbook provides an in-depth introduction to economic development. It is peppered throughout with real-life examples, both from across the UK and internationally. The breadth of coverage is impressive. The focus on practice and impact shines throughout.”
DR PATRICK WATT, HEAD OF EVALUATION AND RESEARCH, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND

“Whether you’re starting out in one of the economic development disciplines, innovation, education & skills, inward investment, or taking these on as part a senior portfolio, this handbook is a solid foundation in local and regional economic development. I’ve worked in regional economic development for twenty-five years. This book could have been hugely beneficial at any point in that journey.
“The book conveys very clearly is that economic development is complex. Every place is unique in its history, its assets and situation. This book is a guide to making robust plans for creating the conditions in which people and businesses are more willing and better able to succeed. That is what will lead to growth in your local economy and so improve the lives of more of the people who live and work there.”
HOWARD PARTRIDGE, FORMER INNOVATION LEAD FOR THE UKRI STRENGTH IN PLACES FUND

“Like all great products, Glenn Athey’s Local and Regional Economic Development Handbook fills a major gap by providing a comprehensive guide to the subject that is grounded in real-world experience and shaped by the author’s deep passion for the subject. In purely academic analyses of economic development, actual places are an afterthought. They are treated as the testing grounds on which theories can be verified or disproved, devoid of human context. By contrast, The Local and Regional Economic Development Handbook has a humanist appreciation of the “tangible…and intangible” aspects of place such as pride and belonging.
“If you work in regeneration and want to know more about economic development, put Local and Regional Economic Development Handbook at the top of your reading list.
JOHN HOUGHTON, DIRECTOR, HOPE STREET STRATEGY COMPANY