Session Description
economic benefits justify environmental and other costs, a critical calculus in our increasingly compromised and stressed world. Yet despite a strong methodological foundation, the practice of economic assessment continues to exhibit significant weaknesses, such as inappropriate use of analytical methods, inconsistent assumptions, and incomplete coverage of benefits and costs. The result is that approval decisions are often made based upon faulty information.
This session will begin with an introduction that sets the stage – history, theory, standards of practice, and patterns on the ground – and then case studies will examine successful approaches to economic assessment, innovative methods, and practical strategies.
This session won’t be about jargon and technical minutiae for the economic specialist. This session will be developed and designed to encourage discussion across disciplines and among practitioners, regulators, academics, consultants, Indigenous organizations, and decision-makers. Presentations will explore institutional, legal, governance, behavioural, educational, and political factors beyond just the technical matters that influence the quality and effectiveness of economic assessment. Emphasis will be placed on lessons and successes in improving decision-making and enhancing public confidence.
Contributions will be selected based on their practical relevance, methodological and/or implementation innovation, and ability to communicate economic concepts effectively to a multidisciplinary audience. Geographic diversity and a balance of perspectives will also be sought.
Session Summary
Economic impact assessment is fundamental to major project decision-making but continues to face recurring methodological challenges. This session brings together international case studies for a multi-disciplinary audience to not just demonstrate good practice but display innovative and practical ways to engage and inform.
Session Chair
Chris Joseph
Swift Creek Consulting
Canada