CPD, training and skills in Local and Regional Economic Development
Expert knowledge, proven frameworks, and practical tools for local authority officers, consultants, and practitioners delivering regional growth strategies, innovation programmes, and place-based policy – built from 31 years of working in the field
- 15 hours of on-demand courses covering the 8 disciplines of local and regional economic development
- Practical workbooks (e.g. FDI from scratch; develop a great project idea)
- Community, chatrooms, discussion
- Mentoring and coaching support
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Skills and training in local and regional economic development
Endorsements
“A big shout out to Glenn Athey who has taken his many years in economic development consultancy and created Economic Development World (www.economicdevelopment.world), the UK’s first online community for local and regional economic development that provides CPD, on-demand lean learning, a community of peers and workbooks. Built on three pillars of accelerated learning, shared knowledge and community support, it is a fabulous resource for our industry.
“From what I have seen already, this has the potential to create a step change in how the UK delivers economic development, putting the skills and development of practitioners, whether newbies or old hands, front and centre. Get yourselves signed up, get involved and support this great initiative.”
Adam Breeze, Breeze Strategy
“2026 has to be the year that economic development professionals take the important steps, from policy comment, strategic views, to decisive practictioner application and delivery. Critical is to have an accessible platform for CPD, training, and a focused community to ask questions and discuss best practice and aspects of local and regional economic development. I am delighted that an established and respected colleague Glenn Athey has founded and created this resource on www.economicdevelopment.world .”
Mark Pearson, Head of Economic Development, Reading's Economy & Destination Agency (REDA)

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Founded by Glenn Athey, an Economic Development Professional and Advisor With 31 Years of Supporting UK Economic Development
LPIP Fellow, University of Birmingham
Author of "The Local and Regional Economic Development Handbook"
Latest News and Advice
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External news
Local Economies (UK): UK’s Business Hubs including Manchester, Leeds, Oxford Leading Economic Growth, Report Reveals
Source: Local Economies (UK) Author: Omar Faridi Date published: 2025-10-06 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Research reveals the United Kingdom’s top 25 regions for mid-market business growth, spotlighting fast-growing innovation hubs such...
SmartCitiesWorld News: Seoul Smart City Prize 2025 winners announced
Source: SmartCitiesWorld News Author: SmartCitiesWorld news team Date published: 2025-10-06 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Seoul Smart City Prize 2025 winners announcedPrague was recognised for its Innovation Management model, a citywide...
Combined Authorities (England): Local Innovation Partnerships Fund: Earmarked Strand
Source: Combined Authorities (England) Author: UKRI Date published: 2025-10-06 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] This is a closed funding opportunity, for applications from the places selected by the UK government: Greater Manchester West...
Regional Economies: What Would Happen If an AI Bubble Burst?
Source: Regional Economies Author: EditorDavid Date published: 2025-10-05 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] The Washington Post notes AI's "increasingly outsize role" in propping up America's economic fortunes. "Last week, the...
News & Events | EUI: No city has to reinvent the wheel. Across Europe, bold ideas are already taking shape – from dedicated cycling lanes to car-light districts, from pedestrianised streets to smart traffic management systems. Every city has its own challenges and priorities, but the lessons learned elsewhere can accelerate change. This is where the European Urban Initiative (EUI) steps in, helping cities learn from one another and turn innovative concepts into tangible, on-the-ground results.
Source: News & Events | EUI Author: unknown Date published: 2025-10-03 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Overcoming car culture Shifting away from a “car culture” in a way that is owned and supported by citizens has become a common challenge...
News & Events | EUI: From walking to cycling, cities across Europe are experimenting with active mobility to make urban spaces healthier, greener, and more welcoming.
Source: News & Events | EUI Author: unknown Date published: 2025-10-03 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] The European Urban Initiative (EUI) Policy Lab on active mobility is supporting this effort by capitalising on existing experience,...
