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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.

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.

Workstreams

Areas of work

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Demographic change

Regional Outlook 2023

Regional Development Policy

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.

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