Long considered Africa's leading economy, South Africa has struggled to maintain momentum in recent years, leading to rising unemployment and a contracting economy. A renewed emphasis on industrial development zones is seen as one way to preserve the country's regional FDI crown.

Cardiff is emerging as an unlikely hub for the television and film sector, where businesses can access a niche film-making community while getting government support

When it comes to attracting crossborder investment, the Pomeranian region of Poland punches above its weight, helped in large part by Tri-City – three separate municipalities that work together to promote investment. fDi talks to the mayors of Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot. 

South Korea has the unenviable task of setting itself up as an investment destination that can challenge nearby heavyweights China and Japan. However, the innovative use of free-trade agreements and pro-business policies are helping the country establish itself as a gateway into north-west Asia.

With just a handful of 'smart' cities across the world, the concept is still in its infancy. But while there may not be clear a blueprint for success, some cities are already reaping positive economic rewards for their smart thinking.

The province of Quebec stands out from the rest of Canada for myriad reasons. Its culture and language are obvious examples of this, but its proactive approach to attracting both investment and labour also give the region something to be proud of.

As the discord from the Arab Spring uprisings recedes in north African countries such as Morocco and Egypt, FDI is returning, with broadband and communications infrastructure a prime target for investors looking for high growth potential.

At the World Economic Forum meeting on Africa in Cape Town in May, fDi spoke to leading officials from three African countries that are implementing strategies to improve their records for attracting foreign investment.

Once the poster child of the UK's industrial decline, Sheffield's recession-defying growth in recent years has been based around the city and surrounding region using its past as a steelmaking and mining centre to embrace more modern technology, all backed up by training programmes supplying a steady stream of engineering talent.