International Institute for Regional Development (IIRD)

The International Institute for Regional Development was created to develop opportunities by promoting cooperation between local governments and business interests throughout the world. Its mission is to enhance economic development by opening local markets both in the United States and abroad for trade, commercialism, and investment.

Local economies operate in an increasingly open environment in which most resources and goods are able to locate anywhere. With this increasing globalization, local governments and development agencies are facing new challenges when working with private enterprises. Developments in the private sector are demanding more flexibility in fulfilling a variety of public tasks. This growing competitiveness between areas and the structural changes in the private sector demands a new role for local authorities to collaborate in a regional context. This is particularly true for local authorities that are too small to maintain their position, in the market, on their own.

The IIRD has an established network that can help communities and small/medium-sized businesses compete in an increasingly interdependent and multinational economic system by initiating and sustaining partnerships between private enterprise, local governments, and educational institutions worldwide.

These partnerships lay the groundwork for opportunities. The IIRD develops partnerships using three main strategies:

1. Promoting opportunity and assistance through an international network
2. Offering educational seminars and promoting best practices
3. Cooperating with the private sector to help drive development

The IIRD is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing opportunities by promoting cooperation between local governments and business interests throughout the world.

We would be pleased to have you join us in this new project:

To find out more about the benefits of joining the IIRD,
send an email request to mmcewain@countyexecutives.org.

IIRD Programs and Services
Developing Trade and Economic Growth Worldwide

Advantages of Partnerships:

• Joint ventures among international and local businesses
• Collaborative marketing efforts increase the regional profile
• Cooperative job training programs afford regions with matching needs increased employment options.
• Collaborative efforts between cultural and educational institutions result in a variety of programs
• Exchange programs foster social and economic linkages between regions.

Access to Information:

• Research and development accelerate as more regions share mutually beneficial knowledge.
• Input from a myriad of sources increases knowledge and provides new problem solving techniques.

Economic Growth:

• Cooperative projects among several entities from various regions enhance the economic options of all involved.
• International businesses looking to establish manufacturing plants, service facilities, and other industries will be attracted to a regional market that offers comprehensive resources.
• Reciprocal trade agreements translate to economic expansion and result in additional employment, increased consumerism, and greater revenue.

Networking Opportunities
Trade Missions
Conferences and Seminars
Professional Exchanges
Policy Research Groups
Development Task forces
Management and Educational Training

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