Managing economic and regional development for cities, regions and countries
Regions and cities across Europe are navigating profound structural shifts. Global competition, digitalisation, demographic change and the green transition are reshaping local economies and redefining long-term competitiveness. At the same time, expectations on inclusive growth, innovation capacity and territorial cohesion are increasing. For public actors, this creates a clear need for structured, forward-looking and collaborative approaches to economic and regional development. Regional and economic development today is not only about growth — it is about resilience, transformation and the ability to mobilise local strengths in a rapidly changing global context.
At Future Place Leadership, we support cities, regions and national actors in designing and managing modern economic development systems that combine strategy, implementation and learning.
Our Approach
Our approach is data-driven, cross-sector and implementation-oriented. We combine research, benchmarking and territorial analysis with strategic advisory and hands-on process support.
We work primarily across the interconnected fields of business development and innovation, rural development, education and skills, culture and creative industries, and digitalisation. By analysing regional strengths, innovation ecosystems and structural challenges, we help define clear priorities and realistic pathways forward.
Central to our methodology is stakeholder alignment — ensuring that public agencies, academia, business actors and civil society work within shared frameworks and action plans. We move from fragmented initiatives to coordinated systems for long-term regional transformation.
What We Offer
We deliver Regional & Economic Development services across four core areas:
- Research, insights and benchmarks
We provide up-to-date data, trend analysis and comparative benchmarks to support evidence-based decision-making and policy development. - Strategy and action planning
We support the design of regional development strategies, action plans and governance models — including new processes, partnerships and ways of working. - Operational design and implementation support
We assist in planning and executing programmes and initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, skills development and regional competitiveness. - Capacity building and peer learning
We train economic and regional development teams and connect you with domestic and international peers through co-creation and experience-sharing labs — strengthening learning and long-term capability.
You can find examples of our previous projects below, and we invite you to get in touch if there is anything we can help you with!
