Foreword

This review is part of a series of OECD Territorial Reviews created in 2001 to support regional development at the multi-country, country, regional and metropolitan scales. The OECD Territorial Review series examines a range of policies that have the potential to propel economic growth in regions and improve the quality of life for their residents from a place-based perspective. Policies for economic growth, jobs, human capital and environmental sustainability have greater impact when they recognise the different economic and social realities where people live and work.

The present review is a follow-up study to the 2012 Territorial Review of Småland-Blekinge. It monitors the progress made in 12 recommendations and 32 sub-recommendations identified in that report. The degree of progress in implementing the recommendations is measured according to reforms undertaken by the regional authorities. The review also identifies the main bottlenecks and ways forward for each sub-recommendation.

This monitoring review takes into consideration the changing context in the region, with improved economic performance, new country/regional reforms and an influx of migrants spurring population growth. The report finds that Småland-Blekinge has made progress on a number of fronts. It has stronger common priorities, a more cohesive identity and improved support for business. Notably, the Småland-Blekinge has developed a more efficient support framework for the private sector and have improved intra-regional co-ordination in a number of key areas.

This report contributes to the work programme of the OECD on regional and rural development. It was approved by the Working Party on Rural Policy of the Regional Development Policy Committee [CFE/RDPC/RUR(2018)6] at its 21st session on 6 November 2018.