On 24 September, EPRC hosted a seminar by Dr Otto Raspe from PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency.
Otto presented recent research findings in which he benchmarked the strength of 'top sectors' in the Netherlands on a regional level and compared these with other European regions. The analysis is underpinned by unique databases on exports and foreign direct investments in 256 European regions. This database allows for the measurement of sector-specific regional strengths and weaknesses based on 30 criteria. Subsequently, the strength of different sectors in regions can be compared with its competitors.
One of the key findings of the study is that regional characteristics are important for competitiveness and that sectoral and regional specific needs can be uncovered by using a cross regional comparative approach which can assist policymakers in identifying investment needs.
The presentation slides of the seminar are available here.