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.

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-19 hot on

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 authorities

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 face

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

Economic Development in Practice: Are you a planner, a gardener or a searcher?

Economic Development in Practice: Are you a planner, a gardener or a searcher?

Simon White | This article describes local economic planners, gardeners and searchers.

Twitter as a marker of regional economic vitality

Twitter as a marker of regional economic vitality

New research methods using big data and artificial intelligence present findings that connect economic vitality with ‘regional personalities’. Associate Professor Martin Obschonka from the Queensland University of Technology and Australian Centre for Entrepreneurship Research along with researchers from the London School of Economics and Political Science (including Andrés Rodríguez-Pose), the