Working in a Turbulent Environment: Perspectives of Economic Development Practitioners

The relationship between environmental turbulence and the economic development strategies followed by municipalities is described. A belief that the economic environment is not controllable is associated with an increase in formalistic activities, as well as a sense that economic development policies redistribute wealth to businesses. In more placid environments, attention is paid to improving public and private cooperation. Though local economic conditions as well as the amount of political pressure influence economic development approaches, the effect of turbulence remains important.