Background to the Research

• This study aimed to identify the capacity of economic development to contribute to community relations. It was the first attempt to raise some of the questions around the area of 'mutual benefit' and to look at how these can be addressed.
  

Research Approach

• The study involved interviews with a range of agency representatives and key individuals in order to sek their views about the issues involved and elements of good practice.
• In response to five questions, interviewees offered opinions on a wide range of issues relating to economic development and community relations.

Main Findings

• Without exception interviewees stated that economic development provides unique opportunities to promote community relations.
• Respondents in the study recognised the partnership concept as being of particular importance to the success of economic development at a community level and in prooting a cross-community approach.
• There was a strong acceptance by many community leaders and elected representatives that inter-community competition in local economic development is inappropriate i.e. competition between local communities may well decide who gets the biggest slice of the pile of existing jobs. It is only collaboration that can increase the size of the pie of jobs itself.
• Effective development can provide a common purpose to which both communities can commit themselves. It can be a unique opportunityu to transcend community boundaries for mutual benefit.
• The potential of drawing down funds is probably the greatest catalyst for bringing about cross-community activity in the field of economic development.
• Funding bodies often require a commitment to cross-community co-operation. This is perceived to be extrenmely useful. However, there needs to be more clearly detailed criteria and vigorous assessment and monitoring.
• There is recognition of the danger of paying lip service to community relations without tackling the real issues of division.