Themes

Regions

Competitiveness 

"Globalisation and technological change mean that regions and localities need the tools and incentives to build on their indigenous assets so that they can respond quickly to changing economic circumstances if they are to increase prosperity". Review of sub-national economic development and regeneration.

Enhancing the competitiveness of regions and of businesses lies at the heart of economic development strategies within both the UK and the EU. Yet the challenge remains on how to deliver this.

Regions are increasingly the engines of the global economy. At the heart of successful regions are competitive firms. But competitiveness is more than just a strong economy - it is also about the distribution of the benefits of economic success. 

ECOTEC can help you: 

  • Assess the strengths of the business base in the area;
  • Understand the strength of the region's capacity for R&D and innovation, and how this can be improved;
  • Understand how skills and expertise can promote competitiveness;
  • Analyse the strengths of your region and compare it with others;
  • Develop evidence-based strategies for promoting competitiveness;
  • Develop practical bids for funding from national and European initiatives;
  • Support the implementation of programmes and policies. 
  • Assess the impact of policies, interventions and future trends - through application of the REMI-ECOTEC Model

 

ECOTEC acts at the interface between firms and regional governance. We advise on interventions that might support the development of a competitive firm base in order to promote a sustainable higher standard of living across the region. 

We operate at all policy-making levels, so our key local knowledge is informed by a deep understanding of European, national and regional priorities. 

We can deliver the full range of our services in any of our regions in this theme.

Theme Portfolio: Dover Business Survey

Dover District Council had recognised the need to create a Business Development Strategy to inform the overall context for economic growth in Dover and how it would be implemented to 2026. A considerable amount of research had been previously undertaken but DDC had acknowledged a lack of comprehensive and reliable data derived from local businesses.

 

In order to assist in the consolidation of the various elements of the study, ECOTEC Survey conducted telephone interviews with a broad sample of companies in the three main towns of Dover, Deal and Sandwich, and in surrounding areas.

 

The consultation process sought opinions on business performance, premises, workforce and business support services with a view to informing the development of the Local Development Framework and shaping the provision of business support services and inward investment marketing.

ros.grimes@ecotec.com
+44 1782 612 122


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