Over the past decade the leading edge of global economic development has been concentrated in ‘new economy spaces’ in North America and Western Europe.  These new economy spaces are dominated by knowledge-based industries and jobs, such as biotechnology, computer technologies and producer services.  Competition among these new economy spaces is fierce, as localities seek to attract key workers by providing various amenities associated with quality of life.  The dominant strategy for delivering quality of life has largely been developed around ideas drawn from sustainable development such as ‘smart growth’ in the USA and Local Agenda 21 in Europe.  This project is examining the opportunities and constraints that arise when the discourses of sustainable development and economic development meet in practice.