OECD Regional Development Studies Place-Based Policies for the Future

Against this backdrop, place-based policies have seen renewed interest. These policies can respond to the needs and potentials of diverse places, while also contributing to national competitiveness and social cohesion. Increased adoption of place-based policies calls for a greater understanding of their purpose and of how to effectively design, implement and evaluate them. It highlights the need for effective place-based policies that support structural transformations to build the long term economic, social and environmental sustainability of regions—and consequently of countries.

In recognition of the renewed interest, the OECD and European Commission commissioned twelve expert papers and organised a series of workshops in 2023 on “Place-Based Policies for the Future”. To help address future challenges, this report synthesises the latest knowledge and evidence on place-based policies to provide policymakers across all levels of government with insights on the design and implementation of better (place-based) policies for better lives.