Methodology

We use quantitative and qualitative methods.

 

We rely on public data (national statistic bodies and their database, central banks, professional bodies, chambers of commerce and industry, ministries, etc.), but even more so on primary data collection, from companies and their executives. These are the main source of our economic studies and guarantee a great level of granularity and nuance.

 

We gather them through online surveys and of course semi-structured interviews (250+ conducted so far).

 

We conduct most of our interview on the phone, which allows to be flexible and adapt to sometimes hectic schedules of companies executives.

 

Quantitative data are then crunched into models, e.g. for impact measurement (cf. below) or market sizing.

 

We also perform online survey directed at enterprises or local communities (local associations or residents), field visits, online research.

 

Lastly, we also rely on local economic development theory and literature (economic geography, innovation economics, evolutionary economics) everytime this is relevant. For instance, the 'related variety' approach can usefully feed local economic development strategies.​

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Impacts assessment methods

 

They stem from the following triptych:

Jobs | Income | Value added

 

Direct, grounded, easily understood indicators, that both encompass:

 

• Short-term – jobs are the first result of a new economic activity as additional workforce is required for new production

• Medium-term – new economic activity also yields income creation for companies (sales revenue), household (wages) and public bodies (tax revenue)

• Long-term – value added is the long-term indicator, being closely linked to technical change, innovation, and hence to durable new capacities or competences in a given place

 

Our proprietary quantitative model measures relevant indicators (e.g. jobs, sales revenue, wages, tax revenue, value added), at a chosen scale.

 

It allows the breaking-down of various types of economic impact or effects:

• Direct, indirect (within suppliers) and induced (local consumption based on wage increase)

• New (activity that a project creates) and maintained (effect that a project secures)

• Activity reduction when relevant

• Sustainable and temporary effects (e.g. spendings due to the building of a new facility)

 

We use qualitative methods for the assessment of durability and to dive into the following questions:

• Is the new economic activity durable?

• Can it generate more impact and ripple effects?

• What other benefits can we expect in the long run?

 

Also based on interviews and surveys, qualitative analysis is instrumental to granularily appraise effects on innovation or ecosystems vitality, two very strong drivers of long-term benefits  (cf. 'Local economic development'). Our sources are companies and any other relevant player (e.g. professional bodies, specialised agencies, local authorities).