Regions as economic and social hubs

The region is and will remain the level at which important economic and social changes take place. Whether it is about conservation of nature and landscape, new prospects for farmers and entrepreneurs or creating space for recreation or housing: the region remains the hub where all developments come together. Even approaches for solving climate, food and energy challenges will in the end have to be implemented on a regional scale.

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This offers opportunities but it also brings along responsibilities for civil society. Local people themselves are the key factor to regional development. Their involvement and initiatives are conditional for successful future perspectives. In addition, professionalism, adequate scale and binding leadership are needed. This requires collaboration from a shared vision, and learning of new competences and training skills to sustain regional processes.

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Therefore, one has be to willing and able to get over one's own interests. Integrating interests and goals in a regional approach will create synergy. Moreover, it offers the right level to be more effective, which level almost always lies just beyond one's own sphere of influence.

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