One step forward, two steps back? Consultant influence on local economic development policy in Canada. (7th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cleave, Evan; Arku, Godwin; Chatwin, Merlin
• Is Part Of: Canadian public administration. Volume 62:Number 1(2019:Mar.)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 121
• Publication Date: 2019-01-07
• Subjects: Public administration -- Periodicals; Canada -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION; CANADA; 351.71
• DOI: 10.1111/capa.12299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-4840

Abstract

Abstract: Cities are increasingly outsourcing economic development policy advisory and development to private consultants. To explore the role and influence of consultants, this study undertook a systematic examination of the economic development policy documents of 41 cities in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The findings of this study indicate that a small handful of consultants are key actors in economic development policy advisory in Ontario. The policy documents authored by consultants tend to be similar in style, scope, and language; and from a policy perspective, there is convergence of policy as cities are recommended the same economic development strategies.