COVID-19 Impact: Five Latest Trends in Corporate Location Decisions
In May and June 2021, the Site Selectors Guild conducted its fourth member survey and one-on-one interviews to to outline the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and current events on economic development and site selection trends. The results show where Guild members are seeing corporate activity, the sectors placing increasing importance on DE&I and sustainability in site selection decisions and more.
COVID-19 Impact: Five Predictions for 2021
In December 2020, the Site Selectors Guild conducted its third member survey to shed light on shifts and challenges in corporate location strategy moving into 2021. Renewed site selection activity, cautious optimism on foreign direct investment (FDI), continued skilled labor shortages and a shakeup of the global supply chain are among key finding. The survey results also highlight the opportunities with remote work and new hybrid approach to the site selection process.
COVID-19 Impact: Suburbs & Mid-Size Cities Are In
In late June 2020, the Site Selectors Guild partnered with Development Counsellors International (DCI) to conduct its second member survey to uncover how COVID-19 is impacting corporate location strategy. The greatest finding was that consultants predicted suburban areas and mid-size cities, followed by rural areas, would be the biggest winners of new project activity. The survey results also highlight the most active industries in the COVID-19 world and when consultants expect an uptick in project activity.
COVID-19 Impact: Corporate Location Decisions
In April 2020, the Site Selectors Guild in partnership with Development Counsellors International (DCI) surveyed Guild members to gather insights to inform corporate decision makers and economic development organizations on how trends in site selection and corporate location strategy are shifting due to COVID-19. Major findings include an uptick in on-shoring in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, a dwindling demand for office space as remote work becomes the new norm, guarded optimism that corporate location decisions will resume in late 2020 or 2021 and more.
The State of Site Selection
In this report, the Site Selectors Guild partnered with Development Counsellors International (DCI) on a multi-pronged research effort to identify the top trends impacting the location decision making process in the United States and globally. The report digs deeper into five key areas: new methods to locate hidden talent; the impact of trade wars on site selection; how customer delivery expectations are driving distribution projects; incentives under the public eye; and the expected effect of automation on the workforce.
Ready or Not: The Value and Future of Site Readiness Programs in Corporate Location Decisions
Site readiness programs have become a valuable tool for economic development organizations and site selection consultants alike, but a lack of defined standard has led to significant inconsistencies across the 36 states where they are currently active. This white paper evaluates the current state of site readiness programs and provides arguments for future standardization.