| This study examines the nature of German local economic development policy. As in most other European countries, the German system of governance and administration is characterized by a traditionally strong role that local governments assume in the development of their communities. The dissertation suggests that these traditions are also reflected in the pursuit of local economic development.;This study utilizes the theoretical economic development literature as it has especially emerged in the United States, literature on German local economic development policy as well as the results of a national survey of municipal economic development officials. The review of theoretical literature on local economic development provides a conceptual framework for investigating the character of German local government efforts to promote economic growth. This investigation makes use of the German literature and the survey findings.;The research focused on a variety of issues including a depiction of the environment which shapes the pursuit of local economic development policy in Germany. This environment is not only determined by historical traditions of local government involvement in economic development and the legal aspects surrounding public sector activity but also by the problems of local economies. Furthermore, the study examined the pursuit of local economic development by exploring the policy goals and objectives, various development strategies, policy instruments, and the issue of policy evaluation. The analysis also included the personal beliefs of those officials involved in the formulation and implementation of economic development policies.;The study findings suggest that there exist several characteristic features describing German local economic development policy including its nature as a public task, a private sector role that is generally limited to formal contacts between local governments and chambers, a commitment to community enhancement as an overriding policy goal, and a wide range of strategies and indirect policy instruments. A comparison with several characteristics outlining the policy orientation of American local economic development indicates that alternative options exist for local governments in market economies and their pursuit of economic development. |
