Place Based Economic Development with Simon White

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Simon White

Simon White

Simon White is a specialist in place-based economic development, private sector and business development and business environment reform.

COVID-19 Response

Lessons to guide a local economic COVID recovery

In this post I describe a number of lessons we can draw from our COVID-19 response to help guide a local economic recovery. I look at responses that appear have worked and make four suggestions for placed-based responses. We are not past this crisis by any measure. But

Using new technologies for a better business environment

Bringing the business environment online

How digitalisation can support business environment reform In this post, I look at how digitalisation can support business environment reform. This includes some useful guidance for policymakers and regulators. The digitalisation of legal and regulatory compliance requirements is a critical strategy for achieving meaningful business environment reforms. In the midst

Surviving COVID-19: Why place continues to matter

Surviving COVID-19: Why place continues to matter

In the midst of the Covid-19 global pandemic sweeping the world, place really does matter. This is a post from my recent newsletter on place-based economic development and job creation. Subscribe here. Over the last few weeks I’ve undertaken assignments in Jakarta, Milan and Delhi, with Covid-

Supporting city and local government innovation

Supporting city and local government innovation

City and local government authorities can be more innovative in the way they work, share data and stimulate local innovation. Characteristics of innovative local governments While there is no single pathway to success, there are characteristics that high-performing city and local governments share: First, innovative city and local government

Role of local government in supporting innovation

Making places for innovation; lessons from Mexico City

Simon White | This article considers the role of local government in supporting innovation and profiles Mexico City.

Supporting Public-Private Partnerships for Industry Development

Supporting Public-Private Partnerships for Industry Development

Dealing with the practical problems private firms face when nurturing innovative processes; lessons from Rwanda Industry development and commercial innovation are often presented in idealised terms, focusing on shiny new start-ups and ignoring the struggle of existing firms. It is challenging to understand the practical problems of private firms

How local government councillors can support economic development

How local government councillors can support economic development

This post explores the ways local government councillors can support economic development. Local governments play an important role in the local economy. While professional staff can guide and advise councils, elected local councillors make the final decisions. My Place Matters (powered by Publicus) has produced a short guide on how