What does it take for communities to compete for investment in an increasingly competitive global economy?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise talks with foreign direct investment expert Andreas Dressler about how communities can attract and benefit from FDI.
Andreas explains why not all foreign investment is equally beneficial and why communities need to understand what they actually want to attract. The conversation explores corporate site selection, investment drivers, and the growing importance of soft factors such as community support, certainty, and quality of life.
The discussion also highlights why focus matters, especially for small communities. Andreas shares how communities can develop a clear value proposition, coordinate local stakeholders, prepare for international investors, and reduce uncertainty throughout the site selection process.
The episode also covers investor aftercare and why economic development organizations themselves are part of the product they are selling to potential investors.
A key takeaway? Communities that understand what they want to attract and create a clear, coordinated strategy can compete more effectively for global investment.
Key Takeaways
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Not all FDI provides the same benefits
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Soft factors can strongly influence investment decisions
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Community support and certainty matter to investors
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Focus helps communities compete more effectively
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Small communities can compete globally with the right strategy
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Investor aftercare is essential
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Economic development organizations are part of the community’s value proposition
Key Topics Covered
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Foreign direct investment and global competition
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Corporate site selection
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Community support and certainty
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Economic development strategy
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Small community FDI attraction
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Stakeholder alignment
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Investor aftercare
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Preparing for international site visits
Sound Bites
“Not all FDI is equally beneficial.”
“Soft factors like community support and certainty are crucial.”
“Communities that understand what they want to attract will win.”