Regional and Local Developlment
Local and regional development is an increasingly global issue. The concept essentially deals with the challenge of enhancing prosperity, improving wellbeing and increasing living standards. The patterns of this challenge vary a lot depending on the degree of economic and social development of the concerned geographical area. European regions for instance are struggling to increase economic and social cohesion and to reduce the gap between the development levels of the various regions. In the poorer areas of the world the challenge for local economic development has more to do with reaching the most marginalized groups, stimulating income generating activities and more generally with fighting poverty.
Eurecna has been working in this field since 2000 establishing Regional and Local Development Agencies and providing advice to local governments on the setting-up of regional administrative frameworks, decentralisation schemes and devolution of responsibilities from national to local level. We have carried out socio economic survey and SWOT analysis, and identified and implemented regional development policies as well as prepared regional economic development strategies and action plans. We have advised local decision makers in setting priorities and establishing mechanisms for partnership planning. We have provided TA for the formulation and implementation of urban development plans and management of urban stocks and assisted in the in privatisation and re-organisation of public utilities: water, energy, gas, waste collection and treatment. Advice.
Our areas of expertise include:
- Capacity Building for Regional and Local Development Agencies
- Socio Economic Surveys and Strategic Planning
- Territorial Planning and Infrastructures
- Pre-accession Instruments
- Tourism development
- Poverty alleviation and income generation
