The Western Development Commission has just published a short Policy Briefing “Why care about regions? A new approach to regional policy.”  It is based on analysis conducted by the WDC and draws on findings from recent work by the OECD on the role of regions and their contribution to national growth. It highlights the importance of investing in all regions and emphasises that rural areas can and should contribute to the national economy.

Regions are the drivers of modern economic systems and all regions have the potential to thrive and to contribute to the national economy. However, because success breeds success some regions do this more effectively than others. Less advantaged regions will benefit if policy is focused on ensuring that they too can reach their potential. With the economic downturn, regional policy may not be prioritised, but it is a waste of talent and opportunity not to realise all regions’ potential.

This Western Development Commission (WDC) Policy Briefing makes the case for a coherent approach to policy for regions. In particular it focuses on the new approach to regional policy which is emerging internationally. This new approach to developing regions involves harnessing the assets of all regions (rural and urban), and all sectors of the economy and society, to enable regions to be the drivers of their own development and at the same time strengthen the national economy.

To download a copy of the policy briefing please click here (PDF 0.8MB)