Across the OECD and the EU, inequalities within countries remain large and, in many countries, they continue to grow, weighing down on resilience, competitiveness and well-being. Recent shocks, including the COVID‑19 pandemic, the energy and cost of living crises, and shifts in global value chains, have highlighted the risks and vulnerabilities of existing socio-economic models. They have also increased understanding of the need and urgency to address other long-standing risks and transitions – including from climate change, technology and demography – and their strong asymmetric impacts within countries.
Place-based policies can target local needs and mobilise local assets by better recognising the unique characteristics of each place. By ensuring strategies and investments are more effectively targeted, these policies can foster enhanced competitiveness, sustainability and inclusiveness, and ultimately the resilience of economies to leverage opportunities of transitions and to manage shocks.
This report, developed through a collaboration between the OECD and the European Commission, provides a synthesis of current knowledge on place-based policies. It draws on insights from a series of high-level expert workshops held in 2023, reflecting the latest academic research and policy discussions on the topic. The report emphasises the need for well-coordinated and multi-dimensional policy action that engages all levels of government, as well as broader stakeholders. It calls for more forward-looking policies that promote sustainable and resilient development. It highlights the importance of robust and evidence‑based policymaking, supported by effective monitoring and evaluation.
As we look towards the future, place-based policies will continue to play a crucial role. This report offers valuable guidance on how these policies can be designed and implemented to maximise their impact in, and for all regions. We hope that policy makers, practitioners and researchers alike will find this report a useful resource in their efforts to create more inclusive, sustainable and resilient societies.