Podcast 163: Understanding What Investors Really Want from Locations with Chris Knight of FT Locations

Episode 163 of the Econ Dev Show Podcast is out.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson speaks with Chris Knight, Managing Director of FT Locations, about the nuances of investment promotion and economic development across different global regions. Chris introduces the newly rebranded FT Locations (known for products like Zoom Prospector, FDI Intelligence, and other Financial Times economic development tools) which officially launched on November 12th, 2024. 

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Chris explains how the consolidated brand brings together several previously separate services under the Financial Times umbrella to better serve both economic developers and companies seeking investment locations worldwide. Chris draws from his extensive international experience to offer insights on effective investment attraction strategies and emphasizes the importance of understanding investor perspectives when promoting regional opportunities.

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Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

1. Consider how your digital presence appears from an investor's perspective rather than just telling your community's story.
2. Recognize the value of consolidated data tools like those offered by FT Locations to enhance your investment attraction efforts.
3. Look beyond administrative boundaries when developing regional strategies, as investors focus on market opportunities, not jurisdictional lines.
4. Learn how international best practices in investment promotion can be adapted to your local context.
5. Focus on understanding investor problems first before presenting your location as the solution.
6. Use professional tools and databases to better understand your competitive position in the global marketplace.
7. Distinguish between broader economic development goals and specific investment promotion activities.
8. Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions to present a unified labor market and value proposition to potential investors.
9. Keep up with rebranding efforts of major tools and services in the industry to ensure you're accessing the full range of available resources.
10. Connect directly with service providers like FT Locations to maximize the value of their tools for your community.