Essential Economic Development
A Foundation Course for Local and Regional Economic Development
17 lessons, 2.5 hours. Learn the fundamentals of local and regional economic development for free.
Access the course via our community learning site. Or subscribe via email to get a daily lesson emailed directly to you.
Access via our community learning site:
Access the course via our community learning site here. The 17 lessons are structured as follows:
1. Rationale for Local and Regional Economic Development
2. Overview of themes and functions
3. Understanding economics and economic trends
4. Megatrends
5. Theory of Economic Development
6. Policy
7. Strategy
8. Intelligence & insight
9. Industrial development & clusters
10. Enterprise & entrepreneurship
11. Inward investment / FDI
12. Labour markets
13. Education & skills
14. Economic Participation, Employability and Unemployment
15. Poverty & inequality
16. Place & infrastructure
17. Low carbon, climate change & sustainability
Register here to get free access to the Foundation course’s 17 lessons
Email course: Register below for your 17-Daily lessons by email
Local Growth and the United Kingdom: Towards an industrial skills strategy
Source: Local Growth and the United Kingdom Author: Charlie Jeffery Date published: 2026-04-17 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] If there is a persistent theme in the ambitions of the Labour government elected in 2024, it is growth: growth to...
Combined Authorities (England): Rochdale Development Agency delivers £14.30 return for every £1 invested, report finds
Source: Combined Authorities (England) Author: Manchester's Finest Date published: 2026-04-17 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] An independent economic impact assessment has found that Rochdale Development Agency is generating £14.30 in local...
Local Growth and the United Kingdom: Why devolution is critical to delivering the Integrated National Transport Strategy
Source: Local Growth and the United Kingdom Author: Lee Kenny Date published: 2026-04-17 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] The publication of the government’s Better Connected: a strategy for integrated transport at the start of April marks a...
Local Economies (UK): Music Venue Trust announces grassroots funding scheme for equipment and soundsystems
Source: Local Economies (UK) Author: unknown Date published: 2026-04-16 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] UK music charity Music Venue Trust (MVT) has revealed details around its new investment programme, ‘Raise The Standard’, providing...
SmartCitiesWorld News: Digital Dubai launches AI training initiative for the workforce
Source: SmartCitiesWorld News Author: SmartCitiesWorld news team Date published: 2026-04-16 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Digital Dubai launches AI training initiative for the workforceAeriSkyscrapers Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai lo...
SmartCitiesWorld News: London borough cuts maintenance costs with digital twin
Source: SmartCitiesWorld News Author: SmartCitiesWorld news team Date published: 2026-04-15 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] At a glance Who: London Borough of Harrow; Esri UK. What: Harrow has launched a new digital twin and is using...
Texas Economic Development Blogs | TxEDC: How Texas Is Training the Future of American Industry
Source: Texas Economic Development Blogs | TxEDC Author: Aaron Demerson Date published: 2026-04-09 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] By Aaron Demerson (TxEDC) Across the country, business leaders are asking the same question: where will the...
City Economies: Houston’s economy is growing faster than nearly every major U.S. city: report
Source: City Economies Author: Ahmed Humble Date published: 2026-04-03 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Greater Houston Partnership report shows city's economy is growing faster than other nations on average.ANDREY DENISYUK/Getty ImagesA new...
SmartCitiesWorld News: Dubai launches AI-powered digital ecosystem to drive growth
Source: SmartCitiesWorld News Author: SmartCitiesWorld news team Date published: 2026-04-03 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Dubai launches AI-powered digital ecosystem to drive growthThe aim is for all government entities in Dubai to work...