The OECD is a multidisciplinary intergovernmental organisation of 36 member countries which engages in its work an increasing number of non-members from all regions of the world. The Organisation's core mission today is to help governments work together towards a stronger, cleaner, fairer global economy. Through its network of 250 specialised committees and working groups, the OECD provides a setting where governments compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practice, and coordinate domestic and international policies. More information available: www.oecd.org. ABOUT OECD LOCAL ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT (LEED) WORKING PAPERS A series of working papers from the OECD Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) Programme. The LEED Programme identifies, analyses and disseminates innovative ideas for local development, governance and the social economy. Governments work with the LEED Programme to generate innovative guidance on policies to support employment creation and economic development through locally based initiatives. This paper is published under the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD. The opinions expressed and the arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of OECD member countries. This paper was authorised for publication by Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, OECD. This document, as well as any statistical data and map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area.