The Canadian Economic Development Professional

Abstract

The environment that the economic development professional must work in is becoming increasingly complex. This article identifies the elements of this changing environment, the necessary competencies that the economic development professional must possess to navigate this change, and the educational offerings that are being provided to bolster the profession and individual professionals. In the new environmental landscape economic development professionals must work with the public & private sectors, as well as not-for profits, to ensure the social and economic well being of a region, as opposed to solely focusing on attracting industry, as was the case in the past. In order for economic development professionals to serve as catalysts for economic development in this environment, while working with many other different types of professionals, new educational programs are being offered by the Industrial Developers Association of Canada (IDAC): A certificate program offered jointly with the University of Waterloo, as well as a diploma program. The availability of these educational programs will provide an academic base to help promote increased financial remuneration for economic development professionals working in a misunderstood profession.