Regional Development

Countries need competitive, dynamic regions to achieve their economic and social objectives. Regional development complements national macroeconomic and structural policies. Globalisation poses new challenges to regions and to regional development policies. Policy areas:

regional development    •regional innovation          •urban development

rural development          •multi-level governance   •statistics and indicators

What's new

Redefining Urban: a new way to measure metropolitan areas

14-May-2012

This report compares urbanisation trends on the basis of a common methodology which helps cross-country comparison of the socio-economic and environmental performance of metropolitan areas in 28 OECD countries.

Strengthening the local economy in Småland-Blekinge, Sweden

29-Mar-2012

The OECD Territorial Review of the four counties of Småland-Blekinge in southern Sweden addresses the challenges facing many predominantly rural OECD regions in an age of globalisation. These include the need to facilitate a shift from the region’s historic specialisation in medium-low and low technology manufacturing towards more knowledge-intensive activities.

Understanding Growth in Different Types of Regions

from 26-Mar-2012 to 27-Mar-2012

Countries are facing significant economic volatility.  The effectiveness of current economic strategies is being questioned and new visions of the economy are emerging. This conference offered a timely opportunity to rethink the approach to regional growth and define new strategic directions for regional policy.

OECD–University of Groningen Forum “Building resilient regions after natural disasters: Abruzzo 2030”

on 17-Mar-2012

This Forum, held in L'Aquila, focused on priorities for a long-term development strategy in the Abruzzo region, hit by an earthquake in 2009. It aimed to facilitate discussion among all stakeholders as well as with other international regions confronted with similar recovery and strategic challenges following a natural disaster.

Roundtable of Mayors and Ministers: A Sustainable World Starts with Sustainable Cities

on 08-Mar-2012

This fourth meeting of the Roundtable, which took place in Chicago, focused on financing and investing in urban sustainability, job creation, and resilient growth as a catalyst for economic recovery.

A territorial approach to policymaking: Chihuahua, Mexico

on 10-Jan-2012

Chihuahua has been one of the richest regions in Mexico, however, growth and development can only be possible if the current challenges in insecurity, water shortage and public finance are addressed, according to a news OECD report.

Regions have an important role to play in the economic recovery

05-Dec-2011

The OECD Regional Outlook 2011 highlights the central role of regions and regional policies in generating an employment recovery and realising the innovation potential of OECD economies.

Improving water governance: Towards a strong community of stakeholders

on 26-Oct-2011

On the occasion of the launch of the publication “Water Governance in OECD countries: a Multi-Level Approach”, this meeting held at the OECD Conference Centre presents the stage of progress of the Good Governance Core Group of the 6th World Water Forum coordinated by the OECD and to be held in Marseilles in 2012. This meeting also seeks to consolidate a community of leaders for and beyond Marseilles 2012 to foster good governance in the water sector.

Making the Most of Public Investment in a Tight Fiscal Environment

27-Sep-2011

This new report provides an overview of challenges met in the implementation of investment recovery strategies across levels of government and highlights good practices and lessons learned.

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