{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"DT #644 Beyond Cost: What\u2019s Really Driving Global Site Selection Today","description":"What\u2019s really driving global location decisions today? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Johan Beukema of BCI Global to unpack the shifting landscape of site selection and investment strategy. From AI and data centers to supply chain resilience, Johan explains how companies are rethinking where they invest\u2014and why. As decentralization accelerates, talent and strong ecosystems are becoming just as important as cost. The conversation also highlights a key shift: \u201csoft factors\u201d like workforce quality, innovation networks, and livability are now critical differentiators in competitive markets. A core takeaway? Communities need to clearly define their strengths and align with the right opportunities to stay competitive. Key Takeaways   Lower-cost locations are gaining ground   Talent and ecosystems now rival cost in decision-making   AI and data centers are reshaping site selection   Supply chain resilience remains a top priority   Clear positioning is critical for competitiveness   Key Topics Covered   Global location strategy shifts   AI and data centers in site selection   Decentralization and regional trends   Talent and ecosystem importance   Supply chain resilience   Sound Bites   \u201cLower cost locations have climbed up the ladder.\u201d   \u201cFocus on soft factors, not just real estate.\u201d   \u201cDefine project profiles to benchmark your location.\u201d   ","author_name":"Develop This: Economic and Community Development","author_url":"http:\/\/www.developthispodcast.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/41189435\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/201638060"}