Measuring Success

A strategic approach to international engagement identifies the tasks to be undertaken building from community resources and strengths (e.g., resources or “inputs” that are available as well as strengths and opportunities).

Using a Logic Model Framework provides a stylized framework that describes how various inputs (e.g., staff, budget, plans, data) are used to spur different types of actions that lead to desired outcomes.

Reading from left to right, the figure below provides policymakers with a framework (or “logic model”) to assess the community’s assets, design an approach, develop a plan reflecting multiple goals, and identify ways to measure success.  Success measures (“outputs” and “outcomes”) are tied to a common consensus that international engagement should increase economic growth and prosperity.

International Engagement Ready Community Logic Model Overview

For each implementation element, the framework identifies outputs that might be measured. Linking specific metrics directly to clearly defined goals and strategies provides guidance in identifying practical, relevant, and measurable objectives tied to the ideal of improving economic growth and prosperity.

Metrics benchmark performance and drive improvements in the activities that a community undertakes. Following are the most common output metrics used to measure results for key categories of activities. Practitioners may use these as a starting point to guide the selection of metrics that matter for their efforts.

Desired Business Outcomes for Comprehensive International Engagement Strategy

  • total value and number of new-to-region FDI transactions
  • total investment by international investors in existing firms in the region
  • enhance local value from mergers & acquisitions involving international firms
  • total number of jobs supported by increased FDI events
  • total value of new exports
  • share of SMEs that export
  • total number of jobs supported by increased export sales