Outsourcing Functions to Economic Development Corporations: Exploring the Perceptions of Officials in Ontario, Canada

In some communities in the Province of Ontario, Canada, economic development functions have been outsourced from departments
within the city structure to external organizations such as economic development corporations (EDCs). This study takes an
in-depth look at the activities of EDCs, with a focus on the rationale for outsourcing, EDCs’ policies and strategies, cooperative
efforts, and the challenges EDCs face. The paper is based on extensive interviews with 21 CEOs/presidents of these corporations.
The findings indicate that EDCs are typically private–public partnerships that exist at local and regional levels, that this
approach is part of a comprehensive strategy to deal with the changing field of economic development and the uncertain global
economy.