Rethinking regional attractiveness in the Southern region of Ireland

The impact of the COVID-19 crisis, compounded by the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and existing megatrends (e.g. climate change, globalisation, digitalisation and demographic change), continue to produce asymmetric effects within and between countries and regions, with the scope and scale depending on their unique characteristics. The OECD’s work on rethinking regional attractiveness policies in the new global environment, is undertaken with the support of the European Commission (DG REGIO) and is a priority activity of the Regional Development Policy Committee (RDPC). Working closely with 15 regions in 5 OECD member countries (Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Sweden), it aims to help regional and national policy-makers to better understand the position of regions in an evolving global context, including emerging challenges and opportunities, and identify the policy levers at their disposal to enhance the attractiveness of regions to the key international target groups of investors (including exporters), talent, and visitors. In doing so, it seeks to support regions transition towards new territorial development policies that promote inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development, while enhancing regional attractiveness.