Emergence-based local Economic Development Model: a way forward in responding to turbulent operating environments

This paper seeks to present a new approach to the implementation of local economic development policies. It takes evidence from such areas as physics, biology, and management theory and proposes that a new 'model' may be the way forward for economic development activities. The new paradigm is based upon research carried out in the Coventry area of the United Kingdom (UK). The paper has a five-part structure. Initially, it will provide an overview of underlying local economic and management trends in the UK. This is followed by an examination of underpinning theories and how these can be used. The third section will report on local economic development agencies (LEDAs) which operate in and around Coventry. The last two sections will draw the strands together to propose an Emergence-based local Economic Development Model.