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Polycentricity and regional development: an analytical framework and some evidence from Italy

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  • David Burgalassi
  • Chiara Agnoletti
  • Leonardo Piccini

Abstract

This paper analyses the relationships between polycentricity and regional development, under a multi-dimensional and policy oriented conceptualization of development. We provide an analytical framework and an explorative analysis of Italian regions, by taking into account several aspects of spatial structure. We found that competitiveness is positively associated with agglomeration and negatively with polycentricity. However, larger regions show to be less inclusive, while there is a positive association between polycentricity and social cohesion. Our results allow for a discussion on regional polycentricity and its effectiveness when planning and evaluating public policies, possibly enriching the debate on regional policy assessment and implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • David Burgalassi & Chiara Agnoletti & Leonardo Piccini, 2019. "Polycentricity and regional development: an analytical framework and some evidence from Italy," Discussion Papers 2019/249, Dipartimento di Economia e Management (DEM), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
    • Handle: RePEc:pie:dsedps:2019/249
    Note: ISSN 2039-1854
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    File URL: https://www.ec.unipi.it/documents/Ricerca/papers/2019-249.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    regional development; regional urban systems; polycentric urban regions; inequalities;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns

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