Local Economic Development from Coursera

Welcome to this MOOC on Local Economic Development (LED). Local economic development refers to the processes by which local governments, businesses, and civil society groups get together to raise income sustainably and improve their lives in a well-defined area. It’s about creating jobs, securing livelihoods, improving infrastructure and managing local resources.

What do I learn?

We will be dealing with questions such as the following. Why does economic development take place in some areas of the world and not in others? Why doesn’t it happen in your place? What prevents people from having the lives they want to live right there? Could your region make more of the opportunities of globalization and new technologies? Did the promises of decentralization in your country fail to deliver better public services and more responsive governments? If these are the questions you are asking yourself, this is the right course for you. It explores the where, who and how of economic development.

Please have a look at our list of contents for the coming 8 weeks:

1. What is LED? What drives it?

2. How does globalization shape LED?

3. How does decentralisation affect LED?

4. How does competitiveness affect innovation?

5. What are entrepreneurship and its dimensions?

6. Why are value chains and clusters so important?

7. What are some LED strategies?

8. Your project

How will I learn?

In each week you will be able to access the content of the videos, suggested readings and additional videos for selective deepening. You will also find assignments that you have to complete if you want to earn a certificate for this MOOC. We will first introduce our “toolkit”, a series of theories and concepts that will help you read the situation in your locality. We will explore the main factors affecting local economic development, such as globalization, decentralisation, and competitiveness. We will discuss key components, like entrepreneurship and innovation and look into the organization of local economies into clusters, value chains and learning regions. We will conclude by deepening on some specific constructs that make local economies grow to benefit their communities. You will also contribute your ideas in the discussion forums, where you will learn from other participants around the world.

What makes this course special?

There is plenty of information in Internet on local economic development, which is mostly prepared by international donors or multilateral organisations. So what does this course do differently? First of all, the course is offered by academics that have significant published research on local economic development. This course gathers a wealth of academic knowledge that often fights the assumptions on what things are supposed to be like. Second, the instructors of this course have participated in dozens of capacity building projects in Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa. Putting learning at the centre, they worked with communities, local governments, international donors and business associations. They often found a significant distance between theory and practice in local economic development, and this has been the basis of learning. Third, the course is acutely aware that each region is different and does not attempt to offer a one-size-fits-all recipe. It singles out key factors that drive local economic development and enables participants to do their own learning process, defining local problems and appropriate solutions. The aim of the course is that participants come up with their own ideas on how to promote local economic development.

How will I get a certificate?

If you want a certificate for participating in this MOOC, you will need to complete a small assignment each week and participate in the discussion forums. In the end of the MOOC, you will put these contributions together in one final document, your Capstone Project.

I hope you find this course exciting and that you get to share our passion for promoting local economic development.

Your instructors

Dr. Georgina M. Gómez, ISS

Prof. Emeritus AHJ (Bert) Helmsing, ISS

Dr. Jan Fransen, IHS

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Local Economic Development

This week introduces the “local” in economic development and explains why LED is a particular way of pursuing development. Video 1 reflects on why LED takes place in some areas and not in others. Video 2 identifies the main drivers of local economic development. The videos have been prepared by ISS Emeritus Professor Bert Helmsing.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by academics that have significant published research on local economic development

Examines the where, who, and how of economic development

Develops key factors that drive local economic development

Presented by instructors that have participated in dozens of capacity building projects in Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa

Courses offered by academics that have significant published research on local economic development

Explores the main factors affecting local economic development, such as globalization, decentralization, and competitiveness

Reviews summary

In-depth local economic development theory

According to learners, this course provides a strong theoretical basis in Local Economic Development, delving into its core drivers and concepts. It is taught by expert instructors who bring significant academic knowledge and practical field experience from diverse global contexts. Students appreciated how the course connects academic concepts to real-world challenges, particularly through the valuable Capstone project that encourages application to their own local areas. While academically rigorous and sometimes requiring significant effort, the course is generally considered highly informative and relevant for practitioners and researchers alike, offering a framework beyond 'one-size-fits-all' solutions.

Academically rigorous, demanding time for study.

"This is not a light course; it requires significant reading and engagement with complex ideas."

"Some weeks felt quite dense with information, demanding focused study time."

"The academic depth means it requires commitment, but it's worthwhile if you invest the time."

Relevant for diverse local economies, including developing countries.

"Appreciated the course's focus on the informal economy and different contexts beyond developed nations."

"The examples and discussions were relevant to challenges faced in developing countries, which is often missing in other courses."

"Helped me understand how globalization and decentralization affect different regions differently."

Bridge between academic concepts and real-world LED.

"I could immediately see how to apply the concepts to my local context through the structured Capstone project."

"While theoretical, the course provides a framework for analyzing real-world LED challenges rather than just giving recipes."

"Found the discussions on globalization, decentralization, and value chains highly relevant to practical policy-making."

Allows practical application of concepts to a local area.

"The Capstone project was the highlight; it forced me to really apply what I learned to my own region's context."

"It was challenging but rewarding to develop a concrete LED project plan based on the course's teachings."

"Requires significant effort but provides a tangible and highly useful outcome from the course."

Provides a solid academic foundation in LED concepts.

"The course offers a strong theoretical background, explaining why certain development processes occur in different regions."

"Really appreciated the academic rigor and the instructors' deep knowledge of the subject matter presented."

"The videos and readings provided a comprehensive overview of LED concepts and their underpinnings."

Taught by leading academics with practical field experience.

"The professors are clearly experts in their field and bring a wealth of knowledge and credible experience."

"Their field experience in various countries adds significant value and perspective to the lectures."

"Found the different perspectives and examples shared by each instructor very insightful and enriching."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Local Economic Development with these activities:

Review Local Economic Development Concepts

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Cover the key drivers and definitions of LED to prepare for the course.

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Read the course overview and introduction
Take notes on important terms and concepts
Discuss with peers or a mentor to clarify any doubts

Explore Globalization's Impact on LED

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Gain insights into the opportunities and challenges posed by globalization for local businesses and economies.

Browse courses on Globalization

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Watch the videos on globalization and its effects
Read additional articles or research papers on the topic
Attend webinars or workshops on globalization and LED

Analyze Case Studies on LED Initiatives

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Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by examining real-world examples of LED strategies.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Read and analyze case studies provided in the course
Identify key factors, challenges, and successes in the cases
Discuss findings with peers or a mentor

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Contribute to an Open-Source LED Toolkit

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Expand your knowledge and contribute to the broader LED community by sharing your expertise.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify an open-source project focused on LED
Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project
Engage with the community and provide support to other users

Career center

Learners who complete Local Economic Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Regional Economist

This course will help you better understand the opportunities and challenges that local economies face in a globalized world. As a Regional Economist, you will be responsible for analyzing economic data and trends, developing strategies to promote economic growth, and advising policymakers on economic issues. Understanding the role of globalization, decentralization, and competitiveness in local economic development will greatly benefit you in this career. The course will also help you better understand the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in a local economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regional Economist

Urban and Regional Planner

In this role, you will be responsible for planning and managing the development of cities and regions to support both economic growth and improved quality of life. This course will help you better understand the different factors that affect the economic development of cities and regions, including globalization, decentralization, and competitiveness. You will also learn about different strategies for promoting economic development, such as supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, developing clusters, and attracting investment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban and Regional Planner

Economic Development Analyst

This role involves analyzing economic data and trends to identify opportunities for growth. You will also assist in developing and implementing economic development strategies by providing research and analysis to stakeholders. This course will help you better understand the economic development process and the role of local governments in fostering economic growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economic Development Analyst

Business Development Manager

As a Business Development Manager, you will help businesses develop and implement strategies for growth. You will need to understand the local economy and the factors that affect business growth. This course will help you better understand the local economic development process and how to identify opportunities for growth. You will also learn about different strategies for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in a local economy.

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Community Development Manager

You will work with community members and organizations to identify and address economic and social issues in a community. This course will help you better understand the factors that affect economic development in a community and how to develop strategies for promoting community development. You will also learn about the importance of collaboration and partnerships in community development.

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Economic Policy Analyst

You will need to understand economic data and trends, as well as the policies that affect economic growth. This course will expand your understanding of the local economic development process and the role of government in fostering economic growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economic Policy Analyst

Public relations manager

You will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the media and the public by promoting understanding and support for an organization's policies and programs. This course will help you better understand the factors that affect economic development in a community and how to communicate about economic development issues effectively.

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Nonprofit Manager

You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit organization. This course will help you better understand the role of nonprofit organizations in community development and how to develop strategies for supporting economic development in a community.

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Social Worker

You will help people in need, including those facing economic hardship. This course will help you better understand the factors that can lead to economic hardship and how to develop strategies for helping people overcome these challenges.

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Teacher

You will help students learn about economics and the factors that affect economic growth. This course will help you better understand the local economic development process and how to teach about economic development in a way that is engaging and accessible to students.

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Journalist

You will be responsible for reporting on economic issues and trends. This course will help you better understand the local economic development process and how to report on economic issues in a way that is clear and informative for the public.

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Researcher

You will be responsible for conducting research on economic issues and trends. This course will help you better understand the local economic development process and how to conduct research on economic issues in a way that is rigorous and informative.

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Consultant

You will provide advice to businesses and organizations on economic development issues. This course will help you better understand the local economic development process and how to develop and implement strategies for promoting economic development.

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Investment Banker

This course may help you better understand the role of investment banks in economic development, as well as the different types of investment banking products and services.

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Financial Analyst

This course may help you better understand the role of financial analysts in economic development, as well as the different types of financial analysis techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst