Foreign direct investment and the role of local government: The Case of Hampton Roads in Virginia

The author analyzes one urban region's ability to attract foreign direct investment and the role its economic development officials played. Numerous scholars have identified a variety of determinants in foreign corporate deliberations regarding site location but have failed to address the role of local governments. Management innovation, such as public-private partnership to promote economic development and economic development officials using their skills as entrepreneurs, strategists, and ambassadors might attract more foreign investment and soften competition with adjacent localities. Particular attention is focused on factors that would tempt a foreign company to locate in an urban region such as Hampton Roads.