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This study was inspired by requests from various local development practi-tioners for a more systematic investigation into best practices and an in-creased level of exchange and learning on Local Economic Development. In this report I shall summarise some of my own experiences based on those debates and workshops, adding information taken from specialised literature on Benchmarking and territorial competitiveness. The report is divided into the following three parts:
1. In order to make the concept easier to understand, I define and synthe-sise some basic ideas on Benchmarking.
2. I then apply Benchmarking to the subject of the competitiveness of dif-ferent locations and territorial economies, with reference to practical ex-periences and with the inclusion of some conceptual ideas.
3. Finally I sum up a number of ideas on how Benchmarking could be used to encourage local and regional competitiveness.
The objective of this report is to identify a form of territorial Benchmarking that might respond to the needs of local and regional development practitio-ners. It does not attempt to offer a definitive answer, merely a basis for de-bate between all those interested in the topic. The writer of the report will be satisfied if this study serves as a stimulus to local economic agents and oth-ers involved in Local Economic Development.