Digital Commons Network^™

An Analysis Of Methods For Identifying Local Import Substitution Opportunities To Foster Sustainable Regional Economies, David Elvin

Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014

Import substitution presents many economic development opportunities that can help regions achieve greater economic sustainability and self-reliance. Yet import substitution is largely neglected in economic development theory, practice and literature. There are few methods and resources available to planners trying to identify import substitution opportunities. However, impending economic challenges, such as energy market instability, climate change and carbon emissions regulation, mean that planners will be called upon with greater frequency and urgency to help regional economies adapt.

This study offers and evaluates two methods for identifying import substitution opportunities within a regional economy. The first method is rooted in economic …