The 7th IPA Performance Benchmarking Report 2007/8 focuses on the capabilities of investment promotion agencies (IPAs) in dealing effectively with foreign investor enquiries and in promoting their respective regions. This report contains the results of investigations which were undertaken from October 2007 and December 2008.

A total of 40 IPAs representing countries, regions and cities from around the world were evaluated through 168 separate assessments. 13 emerging economy IPAs and 27 IPAs from the developed world took part in the programme.

13 agencies listed below performed to the highest global standards:

The World’s Best Performing (World Leader) IPA, achieving an overall score in excess of 75% is Invest Brisbane No agency has ever before achieved this overall standard.
The two World Class IPAs, achieving performance ratings of 70-74.9% are Locate in Kent (UK) and Investment New Zealand. In 2005/6 the world class agencies were Sheffield First for Investment (UK), Velocity Brisbane (Australia), Invest Northern Ireland and Invest Victoria (Australia).
The Global Best Practice IPAs, with performance ratings of 65-69.9%, are: Invest Hong Kong MIDAS – Manchester Aderly (Lyon) Investment New Zealand Invest Victoria (Australia) Austrian Business Agency Invest in France Agency IDA Ireland Scottish Development International and SIEPA (Serbia)   In 2005/6 best practice performance was achieved by Saxony Economic Development Corporation, Copenhagen Capacity, Invest in Portugal Agency, Invest in Sweden Agency, Locate in Kent (UK), TMG Upper Austria and Austrian Business Agency.   IPA Performance Benchmarking clients will find their individual and confidential reports at www.ipabenchmarking.com.

Get your agency, your team, your sector project performance assessed now.

The 2009/10 IPA Performance Benchmarking programme starts in February 2009. Key points to note:

1. Any public or private sector organisation may participate, that is engaged in investment and trade promotion.
2. This unique programme assesses IPAs from developed and developing economies according to the same international standards.
3. The low cost participation fee makes this evaluation programme affordable to regional and sub regional agencies as well as to city, state and national agencies.
4. More than two thirds of participating agencies are satisfied with previous benchmarking assessments that they have become regular clients over the last five years.
5. Further details and to register for this year's programme, contact us.