It is important that the region learns from models of best practice around the world. The following are some examples we have encountered.

• ELAt (Eindhoven – Leuven – Aachen Triangle), aimed at establishing cross border relations, scaling up current activities and building critical mass. http://www.elat.org/
• The Scottish Enterprise experience. Improving Scotland’s economic performance by working in partnership with public and private sectors. Offers assistance to business on issues such as investment, skills, technology, R&D, business capital and business infrastructure. http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/sedotcom_home.htm?siblingtoggle=0
• The Bay Area – improving economic performance, identifying long term strategies, investment in high tech industries, 4 driving clusters. http://www.bayareacouncil.org
• Greater Golden Horse Shoe (Ontario, Canada) – establishing clusters, encouraging creative classes, setting up public facilitated but business driven institutions e.g. Toronto Financial Services Alliance. http://www.gov.on.ca/

• Lessons from previous regional development campaigns
– Realistic evaluation of the regional asset base, identifying the cornerstones of the regional economy.
– Identifying sectors with growth potential and expanding them.
– Fully inclusive growth, need to avoid creating extremes of prosperity.
– A shift from service based industries whilst still maintaining high value added manufacturing.
– Establishing a geo-political position e.g. a gateway or corridor with national political and geographical significance.
– Co-ordinated development framework, everyone reading from the same page, no unnecessary duplication.
– Effective bidding for funds, through EU or national initiatives.
– Giving the public sector a key role in establishing leadership for the development agenda.
– An agreed vision, a well worked idea of what the future could look like.

look like.