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Welcome to ResearchFDI Academy

Build Your Team’s Investment Attraction Expertise

Here's How It Works 

ResearchFDI Academy combines flexibility, expert-led modules, and globally recognized certification to help your team excel in investment attraction. With real-world examples and actionable insights, we provide the tools needed to secure sustainable investments for your region.

Elevate your Expertise in Investment Attraction

Earn your Foreign Direct Investment Professional (FDIP) Certification

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The FDIP Certification program is tailored for economic development professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in investment attraction. Delivered entirely online, this self-paced program allows you to progress through modules at your convenience, ensuring a flexible and accessible learning experience. Each module concludes with a short comprehension test to solidify your understanding of key concepts. 

The program covers a wide range of critical topics, including:

  • Global Investment Strategies: Foundations of FDI, market entry strategies, and understanding expansion drivers.
  • Investment Attraction Strategy: Industry prioritization, benchmarking competing locations, and opportunity identification.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Mapping and analysis of stakeholders, along with engagement best practices.
  • Investor Targeting: Building targeted company lists, using research tools for lead generation, and developing contact strategies.
  • Value Propositions: Identifying regional capabilities, assembling a compelling value proposition, and understanding competitive advantages.
  • Lead Generation: Strategies for email, phone, and social outreach, as well as crafting pitches that resonate.
  • Investor Facilitation & Aftercare: Handling inquiries, conducting site visits, and nurturing long-term investor relationships.

Participants will complete assessments to ensure comprehension of the material and showcase their knowledge through a final live presentation to a panel of experts.

Certification Requirements

To achieve FDIP Certification, candidates must:

  • Complete the Online Modules: Covering essential investment attraction topics and strategies.
  • Pass the Final Assessment: Achieve a grade of 75% or higher on a written evaluation.
  • Deliver a Virtual Presentation: Demonstrate your mastery of concepts by presenting a live scenario to an expert committee.

The full certification journey, including assessments, takes approximately 30-35 hours to complete. By earning your FDIP Certification, you’ll gain industry-recognized credentials and the confidence to excel in economic development and investment attraction.

Take the next step in your professional development and join the growing community of certified investment attraction leaders today!

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