Weaknesses in public sector economic decision making can hinder economic development as often as market failure. This may be because the strategic direction is insufficiently clear; or because there is weak economic capacity – including poorly coordinated delivery – and hence an inability to shape policy effectively. This in turn can affect the ability of public organizations to gain or retain credibility with Finance Departments.
OpenCities helps organizations develop clear, compelling economic strategies to guide public and private investment and avoid the costly impact of drift and lack of direction. We develop the evidence base for action, support leaders through analytical insight, and work with key stakeholders to develop clear, ambitious strategies that really shape delivery.
Our product range in this area includes:
• gathering and analyzing data and evidence
• undertaking surveys
• evaluating programs and projects
• reviewing and summarizing literature
• researching specific topics
• facilitating workshops
• writing and producing strategies
• developing action plans
• training staff in strategy and research
• providing interim management in the area of strategy and research
Examples of work undertaken by our team include the following:
• Team member in development of growth plan for new city in Saudi Arabia (winner of 2008 global award for innovation in top management consultancy)
• Led development of city employment strategy for long term unemployed leveraging London 2012 Olympic Games
• Led development of Mayoral growth and employment strategy for large city in UK
• Wrote evidence base for skills and employment strategy for large city in UK as part of devolution of powers from central to regional government
• Developed growth and employment strategy for West African island economy for World Bank assistance
• Led review of national public expenditure in 3 Central and West African countries
• Conducted debt rescheduling strategy for 2 West and Southern African countries as part of IMF-led Highly Indebted Poor Country initiative
