Regional, rural and urban development

Our goal is making all regions more equitable, inclusive and resilient. How? By putting well-being and living standards at the core of our place-based approach to policy and economic activity.

This report provides evidence on the evolution of inequalities between OECD regions over the past twenty years and sheds light on the role of productivity in addressing regional inequalities.

This report explores urban planning, leveraging private investment and mobilising sustainable finance for infrastructure, accompanied by case studies showcasing innovative practices for financing the cities of tomorrow.

This report helps regional and national policymakers to understand how individual regions fare in a new global environment that continues to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine and existing megatrends.

This OECD Recommendation outlines 10 pillars for effective regional development policy to unlock the potential of places and communities and build resilient regions around the world.

This paper assesses within-country spatial disparities in connectivity across OECD and G20 countries, using publicly available data.

This report presents an in-depth analysis of Ukraine’s progress in implementing its multi-level governance reforms and explores the role of subnational governments in disaster management.

This report identifies manufacturing activities that are particularly difficult to decarbonise and the transformations they require.

This report provides evidence on the evolution of inequalities between OECD regions over the past twenty years and sheds light on the role of productivity in addressing regional inequalities.

This OECD Recommendation outlines 10 pillars for effective regional development policy to unlock the potential of places and communities and build resilient regions around the world.

This paper assesses within-country spatial disparities in connectivity across OECD and G20 countries, using publicly available data.

This report presents an in-depth analysis of Ukraine’s progress in implementing its multi-level governance reforms and explores the role of subnational governments in disaster management.

This report identifies manufacturing activities that are particularly difficult to decarbonise and the transformations they require.

Events

2 Oct | Launch: OECD Regional Outlook 2023

10-11 Oct | Pilbara Summit

11 Oct | Tackling Regional Inequalities (European Week of Regions and Cities)

Regional development policy - what why and how?

Disparities exist worldwide between countries – but also across regions within countries. Quality regional development policy - or place-based policy is essential for inclusive economic growth, well-being, environmental sustainability and resilience.

Place-based policies take into account the specificities of the different types of region within a country. Regions, cities and rural areas - and their differences - play a crucial role in the adaptation to megatrends (climate change, digitalisation, demographic shifts, globalisation) and their highly asymmetric impacts within OECD countries.

The OECD's Regional Development Policy Committee(RDPC) designs and implements effective place-based policies to improve living standards and well-being for citizens across all regions, cities, and rural areas.

Areas of work

Supporting workstreams

Regional statistics, tools & data

Rural Development

Urban Development & Cities

Multi-Level Governance

Water Governance

Videos

Demographic change

Regional disparities

SNG-WOFI web portal

Regional Development Policy Committee

Established in 1999, the OECD Regional Development Policy Committee (RDPC) designs and implements effective place-based policies to improve living standards and well-being for citizens across all regions, cities, and rural areas. It provides internationally comparable subnational data to inform global debates on policy, finance, and governance.

The Committee meets twice yearly with relevant ministries and organizations to develop a vision of place-based, multi-level, and multi-sectoral regional development policy. Since its creation, the Committee has informed many global debates and is a leading forum for high-level policymakers.