Our Difference
In a crowded consulting environment, FutureWorks is distinctive because of four attributes - its people, focus, demand-side approach and style of work.
First, we offer a particularly well-trained and experienced core team well-grounded in the theory and practice of regional development. A quick review of our staff biographies will demonstrate a combination of outstanding academic preparation and practical work experience that is unusual among consulting and policy research firms.
Secondly, we have focused our work on the two big challenges of economic development - how to sustain growth by enlarging economic opportunity and how to accelerate the development of the skills demanded in a knowledge-based economy. We see clearly the connections between these two challenges and, more importantly, we are able to help our clients and partners design and implement the strategies and institutions that link them.
Thirdly, we have a decidedly demand-side orientation to our work. We approach development issues and opportunities from the perspective of the private sector and we work with businesses and business associations to help them see more clearly and act on their interest in sustainable regional development.
Finally, we have found we can be most useful to our clients by adopting a style of work that puts a premium on being candid and direct in reporting our findings and recommendations, getting quickly to the "end game" by concentrating on strategic options and implementation issues, and emphasizing the importance of institutional leadership and capacity.
