A proactive culture of support: Establishing a regional comparative advantage in a semi‐rural area

Abstract

Purpose

This paper describes the proactive culture of support that has been effective in the regional development of a semi‐rural area.

Design/methodology/approach

Information used in this paper came predominately from participative case studies accompanied with formal and informal discussions with principals, including members of associated economic development groups. Oral responses and observations were supported by plans, reports, pro‐formas and financial statements that were available as the cases developed.

Findings

Two streams of businesses contribute to development. One stream is the businesses started by local entrepreneurs. The other stream comes from individuals who relocate their businesses in particular semi‐rural areas. A pro‐active culture of support contributes to success in both streams. This culture is affected by the county's center for economic operations, which is described in the paper. Examples of firms from these streams are given along with services provided to them by entities in the county.

Research limitations/implications

Although, the procedure generally is accepted as providing adequate attention to validity, reliability, and triangulation concerns, one is always careful about accepting generality of case studies.

Practical implications

The desirability of having firms locate in a specific area is a pervasive consideration in economic development. Results here indicate that location of industrial businesses in semi‐rural areas comes from two streams that can be managed strategically by economic development professionals.

Originality/value

The idea of a pass along approach to regional development is fundamental to the management of resources. It should be of particular value to professionals involved in these activities.

Citation

Falcone, T.W. and Wilson, T.L. (2008), "A proactive culture of support: Establishing a regional comparative advantage in a semi‐rural area", Competitiveness Review, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 241-256. https://doi.org/10.1108/10595420810906019