General information
| Duration | 1 week MOOC (a self-study which should be completed before the onsite part) 2 weeks onsite |
| Dates (Tentative: subject to change!) | 2024 intake is cancelled |
| Tuition fee | € 3,800* |
| Language | English |
| Academic deadline for OKP & MSP applicants (to apply for the course - 2024 cohort) | 27 August 2023 |
| IHS general application deadline (if no visa and scholarship application involved) | 1 March 2024 |
| Admissions information | Requirements and application procedure |
| Preparation | Participants are expected to complete the Local Economic Development MOOC before starting the course. |
| OKP/MSP information | |
| Certification | The course fee includes 2 certifications upon successful completion 1 for the Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) 1 for the on-site course |
| Partner | International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) |
| Course information | admission@ihs.nl |
| Abbreviation code | SLED 2024 |
| Course coordinator | Jan Fransen |
* Please note that for EU participants, the VAT of 21% will apply. The tuition fee stated above is excluding the VAT.
What will I learn?
How can we get our local economy to grow inclusively? How do entrepreneurship and innovation affect the local economy? What strategies are there to support local enterprises? Are your region's local economic policies driving sufficient investment to make it competitive?
Entrepreneurs and small businesses (firms or farms) are the backbones of the local economy. Understanding the impact they have on its competitiveness is key to drafting policies that are effective and inclusive. These policies should inspire social dialogue and bring together the community, businesses, and government actors to support existing local capacities and develop new ones.
The course tackles creating synergies between policies and their stakeholders in both rural and urban settings. You will be introduced to specific strategies and tools for creating and managing these processes from a multi-stakeholder perspective.
How will I learn?
The Local Economic Development course employs a blend of methods ranging from lectures, expert seminars on best practices and group discussions to on-site visits. Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences during the group and individual exercises. By the end of the course, you apply the newly obtained knowledge of your region's local economy by preparing a strategic plan.
Why on-site visits?
You'll pay a visit to the Innovation Agency and explore first-hand the case of the Dutch Flower Cluster and value chain in "Westland". While on-site, you'll learn how clusters operate in practice and how they impact the local economy. You'll also enjoy a One-Stop-Shop for small enterprise development and collect valuable tips that you can apply when you return home.
Am I suitable for this training course?
If you are a government official (municipal, provincial or national), work for a chamber of commerce, an NGO, or another agency involved in developing local firms and farms and/or local economic policies, this course is right for you.
Partner
The course is offered in collaboration with the International Institute for Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague. ISS is an international graduate school of policy-oriented critical social science. It brings together students and teachers from the Global South and the North in a European environment. Established in 1952 as the International Institute of Social Studies by Dutch universities and the Netherlands Ministry of Education, it does research, teaching and public service in development studies and international cooperation.
How to apply
You can apply for this course via this online application form.
Fellowships
If you are searching for a different sponsor, have a look at our section on available funding opportunities.
Photo credit: Krissadakorn