Foreign Direct Investment: Smart Approaches to Differentiation and Engagement

As the world continues to recover from one of the most dramatic financial crises in a generation, expanding corporations are increasingly, yet cautiously, seeking out international investment opportunities. At the heart of this fragile investment recovery lie trust and confidence. With an unprecedented number of investment promotion agencies and economic development organisations now competing for the attention and business of a more cautious and discerning investor audience, smart approaches to strategic differentiation, communication, engagement and investment services are becoming increasingly critical if these agencies and organisations are to succeed. At the same time, transparent and responsible approaches to investment, coupled with effective, compelling advocacy, are increasingly important to the success of companies’ investment projects.Daniel Nicholls’ Foreign Direct Investment explores the evolving FDI landscape and offers both locations and investors with timely insight and examples of how the reputational and communications barriers can be overcome to ensure successful, sustainable investment.

About the Author

Daniel Nicholls is a London-based Consultant at the economic development consultancy OCO Global where he works on a variety of consulting and training assignments for clients and industry associations. His client work has included reviewing and editing all sector propositions for UK Trade & Investment, training for Enterprise Florida and an international brand audit for the Government of Abu Dhabi. He is a regular speaker at international FDI seminars and conferences such as those organised by the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA) and Red Hot Locations. His work has also featured in the Financial Times’ specialist bi-monthly fDi Magazine. With a background in marketing and communications, Daniel has lived and worked in various European countries over the past decade, including France, Poland, Belgium and Hungary. He was previously Marketing and Business Development Manager for Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) at the global communications consultancy Hill & Knowlton.