- Navigator
- Evaluation and Benchmarking
- Strategic Planning
In the course of my 30-plus years in economic development planning and analysis, one topic area that is often discussed and even included in plans, but rarely implemented, is evaluation and metric systems. There are reasons for this, along with challenges in effectively using evaluation and metrics for economic development. These include:
- Lack of resources and commitment to measuring and evaluation, particularly the ongoing process
- Lack of readily available, reliable, relevant, and affordable data
- Fear of results (accountability)
- Lack of “know-how” and technical expertise
- Biting off too much: Trying to measure everything and not “rightsizing” to purpose and resources
- Overstating causation: Failing to recognize that results have many influencing factors
However, evaluation and metrics are critical to economic development success. Used correctly and consistently, they help us:
- Understand the effectiveness and/or efficiency of programs and activities in terms of leading to desired outputs and outcomes
- Enhance transparency with stakeholders and the public – build trust, enhance engagement
- Prioritize resources
- Support the ability to adapt and make changes
- Support funding, grant, and investment requests
Based on my experience working with clients and instructing professional development courses, along with years of applied research on the topic, I have developed a practical guide to the use of evaluation and metrics in economic development.
I hope this guide will help economic developers better understand the topic and get started integrating it into their planning and implementation work.
Download the guide (3.0MB PDF)
If you have any questions about the guide or would like to chat more about this topic, please reach out to me on LinkedIn or by email at jim@camoinassociates.com.
