Which Development Agencies for Decentralisation? Paris, 17 June 2003

Several LEED Partners, comprising top executives from both local and regional development agencies in Europe and the United States, spoke at this conference, that was organised cojointly by the LEED Programme and Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations Group.  These international presentations, as well as the ensuing debates, were highly appreciated by the conference participants.

With the main objective of undertaking a comparative analysis of this highly current policy issue, the proceedings were divided into two sessions: one oriented to relevant international experiences, and another to the discussion of the particular example of France.  In this context, the debate focused on issues such as the modes of functioning of regional development agencies, and especially the institutional framework in which they operate; their interaction with the public and private sectors, and financing mechanisms and governance structure. Overall, the participants agreed on the necessity to continue exploring this fundamental issue for economic development, while recognising that there is not a universal model to be followed, and that accordingly national and local specificities should be taken into consideration when carrying out the design and implementation of development agencies.

For more information about this conference, please contact Lucy.Clarke@oecd.org

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