Analytical Methodology

Driver & Cluster Analysis: Identifying Regional Competitive Advantage

A rigorous, multivariate approach to identifying which industries hold genuine competitive advantage in a regional economy — and mapping the full economic ecosystem those industries support. Based on the Hill & Brennan (2000) methodology, with demonstrated application across statewide and regional studies in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Covers the 12-variable analytical framework, two-phase methodology (hierarchical cluster analysis + discriminant analysis + IMPLAN I-O mapping), process overview, selected prior projects, and six practical applications including target industry studies, supply chain gap analysis, and workforce alignment.

Analytical Methodology · Economic Development · Regional Economics

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Research in Development

Additional research and analytical insights coming soon.

About This Section

Research in Development

The Insights & Research section is where DMP Development Analytics shares analytical thinking that doesn't fit neatly into a project case study — methodologies we apply, concepts we're developing, and perspectives on the economic issues our clients face.

Items marked Research in Development reflect analytical approaches for which we are actively building proposals and client engagements. The methodologies are established and proven; the application in new contexts is what we're working to develop.

If a topic here is relevant to work you're considering, we'd welcome a conversation.

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