Spatial Economic Development

Economic analyses are carried out at various levels of geographical scale, starting at a European level down to the level of a specific region or city. Economic programmes are mainly developed on behalf of regional authorities and municipalities. A distinction can be made between the development of strategic visions and action oriented programmes. Development strategies include:

• analysis of a region’s economic profile and its current strengths and weaknesses
• analysis of relevant trends: how can innovation policies enhance cluster development and how to respond to demographic shifts?
• the development of challenging long-term visions for the next ten to fifteen years that can be characterized as realistic and ambitious
• translation of visions or target scenarios into concrete objectives

These strategies can be further developed into an action plan or roadmap looking forward to up to five years. Actions are formulated for each strategic objective focusing, for example, on:

• reinforcing the economic structure and the further development of clusters
• offering enough space of the right quality to companies (business sites)
• improving knowledge and other technological networks
• improving the labour market and education
• promotion, acquisition and account management
• organisational structure

Pursuing a successful spatial economic policy calls for regular analysis of what the policy has delivered or could deliver. Therefore BCI is often involved in policy and project evaluations as well. We also look at the organisation itself.

Our added value

• Clear economic, spatial or infrastructural approach
• Extensive experience with different levels of scale
• Interactive process with companies and institutions 

Sample activities

Regarding spatial economic development, we offer, among others, the following services:

• Developing economic development visions
• Economic action programmes and roadmaps
• In-depth economic analyses 

New concepts: spatial economy

Buck Consultants International participates in the development and planning of high-end business parks such as the High Tech Campus Eindhoven and Adlershof Berlin. To this end, we have developed an own campus concept. Additionally, we have made hands-on programmes to elaborate on how concentrations or clusters in regions can be strengthened. Both knowledge development as well as new spatial concepts can play a part in this. Buck Consultants International has experience with development of clusters in for example high tech industries, automotive industry, life science and agro & food industries.

An important tool in this regard is BCI’s Cluster Clock. This tool provides insight in the different key factors that authorities can influence to strengthen clusters and strong sectors. Both generic factors, that contribute to the business climate for all economic activities, as well as specific factors, where customization is dependent on the cluster chosen, are important.

Track record Spatial Economic Development (sample)

• Track record spatial-economic analysis and scans
• Track record regional economic development programmes

Track record spatial-economic analysis and scans

• Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam: Economical Future Amsterdam Metropolitan Area
• Department of Economic Affairs: International competitiveness of the Randstad
• Ministry of Economic Affairs: Creating regional development programmes for EFRO
• Province of Limburg: Indicators for development physical environment
• Province of Noord-Brabant: Brabant Economy With Open Borders; analysis of promis-ing clusters for economic policy

Track record regional economic development programmes

• Canton of Zurich: Retention strategy for European Headquarters
• Castilla y León (Spain): Marketing and international economic development
• Municipality of Duisburg: Targeting logistics companies
• Municipality of Madrid: Vision on positioning the city
• Chamber of commerce the Hague region: Economic foundation regional development agency 'Haaglanden'
• Ministry of Economic Affairs: International competitiveness of the Randstad Region
• Ministry of Economic Affairs: Formulation of programs for 'European Fund Regional Development' (EFRO)
• European Union: HST Urban Regions: economic effects
• Euregio Maas-Rijn-North: Formulation action program Interreg III
• Flemish Community: Spatial-economic positioning Antwerp
• Haute-Marne Développement: International marketing strategy and economic devel-opment
• Investment Belfast: Development of medical technology sector
• ITP Turin: Review international marketing strategy
• Municipality Aachen: Economic development potentials
• Municipality of Haarlemmermeer/Schiphol: Outlook Haarlemmermeer/Schiphol 2015
• Municipality of Venlo: Economic effects Venlo Trade Port
• Ostrava Region: Economic perspectives new investors
• Schiphol Area Development Company: Cluster development Aerospace
• Senter: Development possibilities for SMEs with Bulgaria/Croatia