Outsourcing Functions to Economic Development Corporations: Exploring the Perceptions of Officials in Ontario, Canada

Authors

Godwin Arku, University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2013

Volume

13

Issue

1

Journal

Public Organization Review

First Page

49

Last Page

70

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1007/s11115-012-0193-8

Abstract

In some communities in the Province of Ontario, Canada, economic development functions have been outsourced from departments within the city structure to external organizations such as economic development corporations (EDCs). This study takes an in-depth look at the activities of EDCs, with a focus on the rationale for outsourcing, EDCs’ policies and strategies, cooperative efforts, and the challenges EDCs face. The paper is based on extensive interviews with 21 CEOs/presidents of these corporations. The findings indicate that EDCs are typically private–public partnerships that exist at local and regional levels, that this approach is part of a comprehensive strategy to deal with the changing field of economic development and the uncertain global economy.