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| Home / Themes and Projects / Local Economic Development |
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Presentation
The theme of Local Economic Development has gained importance over recent years owing both to the numerous local initiatives focusing on the theme and due to the degradation of the social situation and abandonment of a development agenda in other areas except for local ones. The local area, in this context, becomes a kind of last bastion for development, albeit with few powers and reduced capacity to oppose macro-policies.
The Local Development issue is a theme that has been addressed by the Pólis Institute since its foundation. However, since 2001 the theme has been approached in a more systematic manner. Our activities in this area are organized along three lines:
Research – The core of our activities is the research “Economic Aspects of Experiences in Local Development” carried out in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. The research is based on the collection, organizing, analysis and reporting of experience. The research work generates a set of conceptual and analytical articles on the theme, and allows for qualified participation in public debate.
Field research, through the recording and analysis of experiences is essential input to set practical experience, review concepts and participate more intensely in the national and international debate on the theme.
Advisory – In terms of direct intervention, our participation in the devising of the Directive Plan for Ribeirão Pires Municipality warrants special mention, through which it was possible to raise legislation on urban planning, implementation of the directives of the Statute of the City, Local Agenda 21 and Economic Development.
Regarding this more direct intervention, it is intended to work in conjunction with other organizations so as to establish methodology and create local agents for local economic development, expand our activities to include the area of legislative activities, and duplicate the experience performed in Ribeirão Pires.
Training – On this point, besides seminars to debate and disseminate the results of the work carried out, we organize internal seminars for reflection, most notably: local economic development in the context of Latin-American development, local economic development and food safety, visions of development. Also on the subject of training, we took part in activities and debates on the theme with local groups within São Paulo Municipality.
With regard to training, the next step will be the formatting of a course on the theme, allowing critical reflection on the issues addressed, as well as description, analysis and debate concerning those policies and programs focusing on local economic development.
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