Cities around the World are looking at how to grow their economies as the inflation-fuelled economic storm clouds gather.
Effectively telling their story is a key component of a city’s growth plan and positioning your city in the right spotlight is important.
The recent coronation of King Charles III received extensive coverage here in the US.
Whether it was the pomp and ceremony, the gilded carriages, the marching bands, or the cheering crowds – the accession to the throne of the 74-year-old former Prince of Wales was good TV.
It spawned the obvious conversations and commentary about constitutional democracy, the idea of a monarchy, and the soap opera of the Royal Family – especially the wide range of views about the recent behaviour and antics of Harry and Meghan.
But, in general, it portrayed a positive impression of the UK and, according to destination management agencies, travel agents and online booking portals contributed to an increased likelihood that US travellers would consider the UK, specifically London, for a future trip.
Last week, Liverpool successfully hosted the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of war-torn Ukraine, though coverage of this events was, perhaps understandably, much spottier here in the US. Hopefully, a similar uptick in travel will result.
Here in sunny Northwest Florida – where our economy is largely dependent on tourism – we offer a range of Food, Wine, Film and Music festivals. These festivals are targeted at attracting the wealthy visitor demographic we enjoy in the summer months, to spend time with us in the quieter spring and autumn seasons.
The economic ambition is clear, and these events are good tools to deliver success.
But for cities and regions looking to grow their economies beyond tourism and the visitor economy, what drives sustainable long-term growth?
nas recentes Milken Institute Global Conference em Los Angeles, o think tank não partidário divulgou seus 2023 rankings para a melhor forma de realizar cidades dos EUA. Cidades:
The gathering heard three trends were prevalent in the best performing cities:
O desempenho está intimamente ligado ao crescimento do trabalho e dos salários; Uma forte presença de indústrias de alta tecnologia-o crescimento mais rápido nesse setor foi observado em cidades menores; E com a retomada de viagens e turismo pós-covid, a indústria de lazer e hospitalidade desempenhou um papel crucial na condução das mais altas melhorias nos rankings deste ano. Liverpool ou Newcastle, Wolverhampton ou Sheffield aprendem com essas lições?
My takeaway from much of the conversation was that mega-cities, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles etc. were struggling and smaller, more manageable cities were benefiting.
So how does a city like Liverpool or Newcastle, Wolverhampton or Sheffield learn from these lessons?
In conversation with the conference participants, listening to the researchers, and viewing the presentations and charts made available, I kept hearing the same 5 insights for economic success;
ecossistema de empreendedores: Este foi o ponto esmagador feito. Seja uma declaração clara e convincente de 'pró-negócios' de prefeitos e líderes cívicos, equipes de desenvolvimento e crescimento econômico e bem resumidas, ou parcerias de fácil acesso com instituições públicas e privadas como Chambers of Commerce ou Downtown em negócios, que as empresas e os empreendedores se desenvolverão. Oportunidades de educação e a disponibilidade de capital humano qualificado. Os melhores desempenhos aproveitaram suas escolas, faculdades e universidades como oportunidades para o sucesso econômico a longo prazo e as empresas locais tiveram relacionamentos por meio de estágios e programas de aprendizagem adaptados às suas necessidades de crescimento. As comunidades de sucesso identificam e envolvem os moradores para ajudar a criar e implementar sua visão de longo prazo. E não se esqueça de conversar com os jovens, a pesquisa mostra que aqueles com boas lembranças de suas cidades são mais propensos a retornar quando estiverem prontos para se estabelecer e criar suas próprias famílias. Um dos alto -falantes apontou: ‘
Skills drive Economic Growth: The best performing cities rely on enhanced education opportunities and the availability of skilled human capital. The best performers leveraged their schools, colleges, and universities as opportunities for long-term economic success and local businesses had relationships through internships and learning programs tailored to their growth needs.
Strong Communities: Economic growth thrives where there is a strong social fabric which runs deep and is durable over the long-term. Successful communities identify and engage residents to help craft and implement their long-term vision. And don’t forget to talk to young people, research shows those with fond memories of their hometowns are more likely to return when they’re ready to settle down and raise their own families.
A Sense of Place: Successful communities create vibrant downtowns where people want to live, work, and hang out. One of the speakers pointed out, ‘ Esta geração de talento é a primeira a se identificar mais fortemente com suas comunidades do que com seus empregadores”, de modo que a criação é essencial para criar o HIP, animado e autêntico. O resultado de um grande ato ou projeto. Pond. Downtown in Business
The Small Things Matter: Repeatedly, participants spoke about how creating thriving and “cool” cities was not the result of one huge act or project. They pointed instead to a series of repeatable, community led actions to tackle issues, nurture success, and build momentum for larger revitalization efforts to follow.
While global economic conditions will likely stay stormy for a while, I was left with a feeling that brighter days could lie ahead for my hometown of Birkenhead and others across the country if their civic leaders followed these tried and tested tips from across the pond.
