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Creative tourism is a dynamic and innovative approach to tourism, which points out the importance of people's active participation and their immersion in such experiences. In a vernacular context, it should attract people (local and tourists) attention to accomplish its main goals. Despite its rich cultural and natural assets, Kurdistan province faces several challenges that impact its tourism potential. To achieve that, the study uses quantitative approach to thoroughly analyze and evaluate the components of creative tourism in this province. The research focuses on tourists who visited the province's ten towns during the spring and summer of 2023. Data collection utilized a Likert-scale questionnaire ranging from "very good" to "very poor". The study employed a semi-structured questionnaire developed through qualitative interviews alongside a researcher-made questionnaire validated by experts from the University of Kurdistan. The qualitative questionnaire achieved a high-reliability score of 93% using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. In-depth interviews and literary research were conducted to identify creative tourism components and indicators, informing the development of a quantitative questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20 and AMOS software to scrutinize the survey findings, providing insights into enhancing creative tourism strategies in Kurdistan province. The results reveal the varying significance of these dimensions, with the cultural dimension identified as the most crucial (factor loading: 0.95), followed by the social (0.92), economic (0.88), and managerial/political dimensions (0.83). The study highlights the importance of cultural planning, community engagement, and infrastructural support in fostering creative tourism. Furthermore, it explores the impact of creative industries, such as music and arts rooted in Kurdish culture, on tourism development. Economic diversification and spatial-physical considerations are critical factors in enhancing Kurdistan's appeal as a creative tourism destination, emphasizing sustainable growth and cultural preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries the most marginalised and disadvantaged people are in rural, remote and regional areas and social enterprises in these areas – rural social enterprises (RSEs) – have been identified as key development actors in this context. However, their impacts are rarely rigorously measured. Our study fills this gap by measuring an RSE's social impact in a developing country. A smallholder farmers' survey (n = 1021) is utilised in a propensity score-based method which allowed us to generate counterfactual and estimate outcomes between members and non-members of an RSE. This method was complemented by a stakeholder focus group discussion. Predictors of participation and social impacts of the RSE are identified besides an evaluation of its interventions. Results generate implications for social enterprise practitioners, supporters and policymakers interested in applying RSEs as local and regional development actors as well as researchers involved in social impact measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries the most marginalised and disadvantaged people are in rural, remote and regional areas and social enterprises in these areas – rural social enterprises (RSEs) – have been identified as key development actors in this context. However, their impacts are rarely rigorously measured. Our study fills this gap by measuring an RSE’s social impact in a developing country. A smallholder farmers’ survey (n = 1021) is utilised in a propensity score-based method which allowed us to generate counterfactual and estimate outcomes between members and non-members of an RSE. This method was complemented by a stakeholder focus group discussion. Predictors of participation and social impacts of the RSE are identified besides an evaluation of its interventions. Results generate implications for social enterprise practitioners, supporters and policymakers interested in applying RSEs as local and regional development actors as well as researchers involved in social impact measurement.

Objectives Entrepreneurship is defined as a process in which not only business is a participant, but also local governments and social organizations (more broadly, the public and social sectors). In the management process, entrepreneurship is manifested, for example, by choosing the right strategy, creating flexible structures, promoting innovation, avoiding excessive administration and choosing the right forms of control. Material and methods The research methods used in the work are: comparative analysis, functional analysis, questionnaire, interviews with municipal managers through a direct conversation with the respondent, a dynamic research method and statistical methods of data analysis. The research was conducted using many quantitative and qualitative methods. Results The commune management process is active and aims to create prospects for the development of these units. Therefore, this process should be based on a strategic approach understood as an orderly set of activities, from the identification and assessment of potential opportunities and threats to the environment and the determination of the strengths and weaknesses of a local government unit. Conclusions The basic unit of local government: 1. The commune's mission is to use the commune's resources and potential on the basis of sustainable development, in order to raise the standard of living of the inhabitants and effective management. 2. The mission of the commune is to provide people with jobs and income allowing for the necessary standard of living for the society. 3. The commune's mission is to use the commune's development potential to create conditions for the development of entrepreneurship and to constantly improve the living conditions of its inhabitants.

Copyright of Journal of Modern Science is the property of Alcide De Gasperi University of Euroregional Economy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article explores the significance of promoting sustainable tourism to stimulate local and regional development in South Africa, focusing on unlocking economic potential through responsible tourism strategies. South Africa’s abundant natural and cultural resources attract many tourists, offering economic growth and development opportunities. However, unsustainable tourism practices have the potential to degrade the environment, exploit local communities, and compromise the long-term viability of the industry. The importance of involving local communities in the tourism value chain, empowering them to participate and benefit from tourism activities actively, is highlighted in this article. The research findings from the study – on which this article is based –indicate that community-based tourism initiatives can contribute to poverty alleviation, skills development, and the equitable distribution of tourism income. Furthermore, the study found a need to minimise resource consumption, manage waste effectively, and conserve biodiversity to safeguard the natural attractions that draw visitors to South Africa. Collaboration between government, tourism stakeholders, local communities, and NGOs is essential for achieving sustainable tourism goals. By unlocking the economic potential of responsible tourism strategies, South Africa can foster inclusive and equitable growth, enhance community well-being, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its tourism industry.

This article is motivated by the specific and largely dissatisfactory state of the application of modern conceptions of local and regional development in post-transformation countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The same holds true for cultural industries, which became a buzzword and a sign of socioeconomically more successful places and regions. The main objective of this paper is to examine selected issues related to the application of cultural industries in Central and Eastern Europe. Conceptions characterizing cultural industries have been born in advanced countries in the West. Subsequently, their applications consider standard Western economic-institutional milieu that evolved naturally and in the longer run. Nonetheless, history matters and economic-institutional settings in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, for which numerous developmental discontinuities are symptomatic, are far from the Western ones. This raises many question marks on the applicability of cultural industries in specific and still-developing economic-institutional conditions in places and regions in Central and Eastern Europe. The primary perspective adopted in this article is a theoretical one with a wide utilization of qualitative approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been said and written about the importance of cross-border activities. With the process of opening up the borders, these cross-border activities became increasingly intense. Nevertheless, much less has been revealed on media portrayals of cross-border activities. The purpose of this article is to analyse, assess, and interpret regionally orientated contributions that deal with cross-border activities and are broadcasted within the national TV reporting in Czechia. While material or tangible aspects of cross-border activities have been traditionally examined thoroughly, the media reflection of those activities has not been captured in an adequate manner so far. The article deals with the issue from both quantitative and qualitative points of view. This complementary view is useful from the perspective of the interpretation of findings. Moreover, such an approach largely helps to fill in the existing research gaps. It has been found out that media portrayals of cross-border activities are inadequate from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives and barely reflect genuine processes related to cross-border interactions in real circumstances. Taking into account the general importance of cross-border activities and processes for developments of whole territories, less plastic media capturing of these activities and processes might seem surprising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the theoretical foundations and problems of functioning of local self-government bodies in the implementation of budget decentralization in Ukraine. In the process of reforming local authorities, the dependence of local budgets on the State budget is determined. The development of budget decentralization for the period 2015–2021 is considered, namely: the number of amalgamated hromadas, the share of the local budgets’ own revenues, and the structure of the share of revenues of the general fund of local budgets (without transfers). The revenues to the budget of the city of Irpin, their tendencies and efficiency of use are highlighted and analyzed. The forecast of budget revenues in the city of Irpin is developed taking into account all indicators used to assess tax revenues and fees, expected indicators of socioeconomic development and expected tax revenues of taxes and fees, as well as taking into account the proposals of the bodies that control the distribution of tax revenues and fees to local budgets of the region. The role of taxes in the system of local regulation of economic processes provides an impact on society, its structure and dynamics, ensures the stability of budget revenues and self-sufficiency, which provide for the development of an effective strategy for the development of the tax system based on realistic forecasts of socioeconomic development. The methods for improving control over the financing of local authorities are proposed. Local self-government bodies are able to transform the tax base at the local level through tax revenues, which provides opportunities for the full implementation of their functions and powers influencing the financial and economic processes. For the future forecast and improvement of sustainable development, it is necessary to anticipate the threats and risks of financial stability. Thus, their negative manifestation in the future is minimized or ways to minimize losses from their impact are determined.

Copyright of Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente is the property of Universidade Federal do Parana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper shows how cross-border cooperation projects can play a significant role in the development of the local community and be an extremely important factor in launching new initiatives in the local community, if they are prepared taking into account certain critical factors. The case study of the "Adriatic Canyoning" project shows the key factors that enable a project to become a generator of development in the local community. Even in the case where the project has a tourist character, it can be a driver of infrastructural or urban development. The crucial role for a project to acquire such a character is the context of project preparation, the relationship between project objectives and planned activities, as well as the context of the project within the strategic development goals of a specific community. Also, the cross-border character of the project gives an additional dimension, not only in the transfer of knowledge and experience from cross-border regions, but also gives weight to a broader perspective that a particular local need gains through cross-border cooperation.

Copyright of Croatian & Comparative Public Administration is the property of Institut za Javnu Upravu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper aims to discuss the major trends in changes of regional differences of economic wellbeing and the resulting spatial mobility of population as well as some regional consequences of these processes. The research is based on an empirical methodology, and visual analysis of mapped data is the main research method. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, fast decrease of employment in industry and agriculture has damaged, first of all, peripheral regions and, later, resulted in mass emigration, which is still evident in most Lithuanian municipalities. The decrease of the number of jobs in these sectors and its increase in those located in different places meant that most residents of non-metropolitan regions had to find new jobs outside the localities in which they resided. This resulted in growing mobility of the population, expressed by growing foreign emigration, inner migrations, and commuting, which continue to shape the social structure of the country to the present day, as spatial structures change more slowly than modes of production. Differences in wellbeing, which appeared at the end of the 20th century, played a role in accelerating emigration processes, which are still damaging local labour supply and economic development in many regions.

This paper evaluates the effectiveness at a territorial level of a place-based policy for southern Italy, that is, territorial integrated projects (TIPs). We combine classical counterfactual designs and the construction of a dose–response function to assess the impact of the infrastructural interventions on the municipalities involved in a target region (Sicily). The results are robust enough to show policy effectiveness on both the number of workers and the number of plants. In the latter case, we also identify a significant and increasing dose–response function highlighting the positive relationship between funding intensity and the growth of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread popularity reached by food trucks (FTs) has led to a reshape of many food events into new forms of street food events (SFEs), in which the FTs become the main attractors for the visitors, and not anymore a simple support element to the event making. Such SFEs have rapidly been recognized as a pivotal place marker for attracting visitors from within and beyond the regional boundaries: it is therefore significant to understand visitors' motivations to attend a SFE, both for addressing policies and for supporting business decision-making processes, since the overall visitors' perceptions are related to a form of loyalty towards the visited destination, and this linkage might encourage revisit intentions. This study applies an ordered multinomial model to a SFE taking place in Abruzzo region (Italy) and the main findings reveal that visitors' perceptions tend to strengthen if they find in the event memorable atmospheres and non-routine food specialties, suggesting the search for a hedonic consumption. In these regards, this study provides implications on how SFEs might represent an enhancer for the local and regional development and how SFEs might help preserve the economic and social fabric of smaller and larger communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study is to present historical and cultural heritage as a development asset for local communities in peripheral areas in Western Ukraine. The author analyzes how chosen local communities make attempts to use historical and cultural heritage in order to reestablish local development resources. Design/methodology/approach: In order to achieve the objectives of this paper, the methods of content analysis and virtual ethnography were appointed. The study involved content analysis of secondary data (literature and available reports), ten online semi-structured interviews with local activists, youth workers and workers of the sphere of culture conducted in June 2020 and netnographic study online communities representing chosen research sites. Findings: The question of peripheral areas development concerns the mobilization of local resources and given examples illustrate, that this process has already started in Ukraine. Analysing the role of cultural and historical heritage in local development in the context of current political, economic and social framework, provides an interesting outlook on the processes of social change and community development. Cultural and historical heritage as an asset contributes both to socio-economic conditions improvement and community building processes. Research limitations/implications: The limited amount of data collected for this study and limited research methods appointment determines the classification of this study as preliminary. The research question is current and the in-depth study of the issues is needed. Nevertheless, findings contribute to research on social change processes. Social implications: The rural – urban development disparities in post-Soviet countries are still remarkable, therefore research focused on analysis of overcoming development divisions contributes to the question of social change processes in former Soviet countries. Originality/value Theoretical and empirical identification of cultural and historical heritage on community development in peripheral areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of COVID-19 all over the world since the beginning of the year 2020 requires a re-thinking of the meaning of the term “resilience” in the field of architecture and architectural engineering. Resilience from the viewpoint of architecture and architectural engineering has been investigated primarily in terms of conventional natural disaster risks (see, for example, Bruneau et al., 2003; Cimellaro et al., 2010; Architectural Institute of Japan [AIJ], 2020a). However, COVID-19 reminds us of the need to investigate resilience also in terms of infection risks. The places where people become infected are principally within buildings and transportation systems. Especially in buildings, three factors considered to be main risks for infection (closed spaces without ventilation, dense gatherings, close connection) often occur. For this reason, the role of architecture and architectural engineering is essential from the viewpoint of reducing the risk of infection, using versatile knowledge and technologies from the fields of architectural and regional planning. Following the appearance of COVID-19, architectural designers and engineers have an important mandate to think about the role of buildings and their related fields.

The UK has been a recipient of European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy funding since its inception, and it has played a key role ever since in local and regional economic development across the UK. However, in the run up to the Brexit referendum in 2016, discussions about the significance of EU Cohesion Policy funding to the UK's cities and regions, which have benefitted from this support for decades, was not a major topic of discussion. Paradoxically, the demise of EU Cohesion Policy in the UK, post-Brexit, comes precisely at a time when spatial inequalities are rising. Moreover, real questions remain about the UK government's commitment to tackling regional economic development in the coming years. Having said that, as this Commentary discusses, several decades of EU Cohesion Policy implementation in the UK do provide a number of significant policy lessons, which should inform the contours of future UK regional economic development policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1980s, there has been a considerable effort in critical analyses to design a particular research agenda centred on singularity and diversity in the name of avoiding "essentialistic and universalising claims." The relations between generality and particularity are then not adequately taken into consideration while social and spatial objects are linked with each other only in external ways. In contrast, it is possible to analyse social reality in its both universal/general and particular aspects beyond their dualistic understanding. To do this, I suggest rethinking the Marxist concept of 'socialisation of production' by tracing the dialectical interplay between socialisation and value across geographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Estudos Politicos is the property of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Revista Brasileira de Estudos Politicos) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of e-Zbornik: Electronic Collection of Papers of the Faculty of Civil Engineering is the property of University of Mostar, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture & Geodesy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper explores how to push the field of regional studies beyond its present institutional, conceptual and methodological borders. It does this from five perspectives: innovation and competitiveness; globalization and urbanization; social and environmental justice; local and regional development; and industrial policy. It argues that the future of regional studies requires approaches that, in combination, result in the pushing on (by creating), pushing off (by consolidating), pushing back (by critiquing) and pushing forward (by collectively constructing) the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Urgency of the research. One of the most essential sources of supporting regional and local development is the banking system. Target setting. The study presented describes cooperative banking, represented by Bank Polskiej Spółdzielczości S.A. and Bank Spółdzielczy w Kielcach. The use of the statistical data analysis method allowed to demonstrate the strong position of cooperative banking in the market, fostering regional and local development. Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. The foundations for the modern cooperative banking sector were laid by cooperative financial organisations functioning more than 150 years ago [Pawlik, 2017, s. 152]. Its history is connected with difficulties faced in the period of partitions, work at the foundations after the end of World War I and Poland's regaining its national independence. Uninvestigated parts of general matters defining. At present, cooperative banking functions as a result of the adoption by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland on 7 December 2000 of the act on the functioning of cooperative banks, their associations and associating banks, which ensured new legal conditions for the functioning of the sector2. The research objective. The article formulates the hypothesis that nowadays activities of cooperative banks will contribute to regional and local development. The statement of basic materials. One of the most essential sources of supporting regional and local development is the banking system. This system can guarantee the stabilisation of the local financial system. By supporting the development of regional and local entrepreneurship through loans, investment activities of the banks and financial and investment consulting, it will determine the identity of the region concerned. Conclusions. The use of the statistical data analysis method allowed to demonstrate the strong position of cooperative banking in the market, fostering regional and local development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a robust international debate about how best to tackle spatial inequalities within nations and regions. The paper discusses three contrasting approaches: spatial rebalancing, space-neutral and place-based. They vary in the scope and purpose of government policy, from redistributing economic activity, to facilitating aggregate growth, and realising the economic potential of less-developed regions. The paper applies this framework to analyse South Africa’s five decades of experience of spatial policies. The context is one of stark spatial inequalities, uneven institutional capabilities, and mounting political pressure for change. Under apartheid, spatial targeting was highly instrumental and played a role in reproducing social divisions at considerable financial cost. Since the end of apartheid there has been much experimentation with spatial initiatives, but without any overarching vision or policy framework. A cautionary conclusion is that there are risks of extravagant spending in marginal locations when political pressures are strong, public institutions are weak and economic disciplines are lacking. Another is that place-based policies have potential, but require stronger vertical and horizontal policy alignment to stand any chance of tackling entrenched spatial divides. Enhanced local institutions involving private sector and community stakeholders are also essential for spatial policies to respond to the specific challenges and opportunities encountered in each place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to analyse special economic zones (SEZ) with regard to attracting foreign and domestic investments. The article overviews selected studies addressing the importance of SEZs in enhancing regional and local competitiveness through the investment activities of enterprises operating under the permission to conduct business activities within their territory. To achieve the adopted goal, the article primarily presents the findings of the studies carried out, using the method of analysis of: the literature of the subject, published reports and papers (secondary data from the 'Investment attractiveness of regions and subregions Polish 2016' has been used), and a descriptive method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current climate of fiscal austerity has seen a resurgence in 'complementary currencies' as local and regional governments look for ways to use under-utilized assets, maintain employment and avoid local economic decline. The authors explore how local and regional governments can facilitate complementary currencies to reduce the impact of external economic shocks and enable their economies to continue to function in the face of austerity. They recommend that localities consider participating in existing complementary currency 'circles'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to present an integrated theoretical framework of sustainable local and regional development with an emphasis on social economy theory. The theoretical literature on social economy and sustainable local and regional development are reviewed and integrated focusing on the obstacles of sustainability and the function of social economy in local and regional development. Conflict and competition among sustainability values necessitates agreement and cooperation among those who embrace such values. Social enterprises are the core components of a social economy that reflects local and regional needs and pursues complex goals. In the social innovation process, social enterprises collaborate with various stakeholders regarding their business and social goals. Social enterprises have positive effects that influence local and regional development by satisfying local and regional needs, creating jobs in the community, developing relational assets in business processes, and restoring community solidarity. In social economy theory, social enterprises can facilitate sustainable local and regional development by including relational assets which embody social capital in social innovation processes. In the context of local and regional development, relational assets are important reinforcements of institutional capabilities, networks, and community or regional cooperation. Although social enterprises are not the dominant resources in traditional local and regional development, they can solve problems related to collective actions by networking and applying social norms to the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigate the determinants of investment incentives at the regional level in Turkey during the period 2001-2008. So far, many studies have focused on the effect of incentives on the economic growth, employment or location decision. However, there has not been an empirical analysis exploring the regional determinants of investment incentives. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explain what determines the allocation of investment incentives in Turkish provinces. Using a set of regression models, the paper tests several hypotheses related to the role of local and regional characteristics in explaining spatial differentiation in incentives among provinces. The empirical results, on the one hand, indicate that the spatial distribution/ allocation of regional incentive are explained by the level of income, the presence of private industry investment, trade openness, political/electoral power, the ideological tendency of the government, and regional policy. On the other hand, unemployment and openness to foreign investment are not significant determinants of incentive at regional level. These results suggest that incentives at regional level are determined not only by economic factors, but also by political and institutional factors. In conclusion, the paper informs policymakers about the potential opportunities and threats as well as determining factors when designing regional incentive strategies

The aim of the present work is the analysis of pequi extraction from North of Minas Gerais using the Agro-food Local Productive Systems (ALPS) approach, by the organization of growers and companies grouped by characteristics and functional areas in a specific region. The pequi fruit (Caryocar brasiliense), found in closed vegetation areas, is explored mainly in extractive manners. This exploration is an important socioeconomic activity for the people in north region of the state, which is devoid of modern systems and dynamic economic activities, with a low human development index. The north region of Minas Gerais was responsible for 25% of the national production of this fruit in 2009. In this context, the analysis of the aforementioned ALPS indicates several barriers to overcome: the precarious regional integration, impacting productivity, limiting access to raw inputs and outflow of products derived from pequi, precarious transmission systems, distance to large consumer cities, and the exoticity of this fruit bound to a unique territorial identity, which creates a particular form of product marketing.

For some time now, some specialized organizations have been publishing reports on the competitiveness of the Colombian departments. These reports emphasize, on the one hand, that there are great disparities in the levels of competitiveness of those departments, which have not only been preserved but have even been expanded, and, on the other hand, that the measurements are about the same departments that are again and again in the best and worst positions, which seems to be the result of a structural situation. In particular, these reports have highlighted the leadership position of Antioquia –lthough considerably after Bogotá, Cundinamarca–, but they have not focused enough on interpreting the phenomenon, limiting their work to quantifying it and describing it. Since departmental competitiveness indicators are positively correlated with the relative level of development of the departments and their management policies, this paper offers a history-friendly model to interpret the levels of competitiveness of the Colombian departments, focusing particularly on the level achieved by Antioquia.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a extração do pequi no norte de Minas Gerais utilizando a abordagem do Sistema Agroalimentar Localizado (SIAL), pela organização de produtores e empresas associadas por suas características e seu funcionamento a um território específico. O fruto do pequizeiro (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), com ocorrência no cerrado, é explorado, prioritariamente, de forma extrativista. Sua exploração tem importância socioeconômica para a população do norte de Minas, que é, por sua vez, uma das áreas mais desprovidas de sistemas técnicos modernos e atividades economicamente dinâmicas, apresentando baixos índices de desenvolvimento humano. O norte de Minas foi responsável por 25% da produção nacional do fruto em 2009. Neste contexto, a investigação do referido SIAL apresenta como entraves a serem desvendados: a precariedade da integração territorial da referida região, influenciando produção, obtenção de insumos e escoamento dos produtos derivados do pequi, bem como a precariedade das redes de transporte e a distância dos grandes centros consumidores somadas ao fruto exótico vinculado a uma identidade territorial privada, assim gerando uma particular forma de comercialização dos produtos.

This article discusses the claim of a new paradigm in the knowledge production and diffusion process, and the need to assess the regional and local implications of this modal shift. After introductory remarks included in the first part of the paper, its next section introduces the theme of localisation of knowledge as a source of regional development; section three examines the lessons we can extract from the US university system (with a particular regard to the case of Johns Hopkins University and the recent project for a biotech park in the city of Baltimore); in section four an illustration of the Italian University system leads to a description of the current evolution of the University of Bologna toward a new entrepreneurial role. The last part of the paper discusses the embedded role of universities in the light of the two cases presented in the previous sections and draws the conclusions in terms of regional policy.

Knowledge, innovation and territory. The process of globalization and the knowledge-based economy pose new challenges for the development of cities and regions, due to the establishment of new organizational architectures and spatial networks of knowledge. The combination of local and distant networks of knowledge have profound implications on innovation and territorial development, requiring a renewed role in the action of regional and local institutions, traditionally trained to promote local dynamics of innovation. This article specifically discusses the issues of buzz, geographical proximity and agglomeration and distant innovation networks, and provides the theoretical “background” for the papers published in this special issue on the theme “Knowledge, Innovation and Territory.”

In modern economies services are dominant. As the role of services is increasing, the difference between goods and services is vanishing, but most of our economics and business knowledge is developed from a manufacturing perspective which is no more satisfactory in the new service economy conditions. One important aspect is that the ability of a country to participate effectively to the growing international trade in services depends more and more on its attractiveness as a visitors' destination. Although there is a well developed understanding of the role of tourism to the general economic and social development, it is less understood the effect of economic and social living conditions as visitor attractiveness factors.Reviewing recent studies, assessments and reports regarding the travel & tourism economy of Romania, authors found out that achieving the economic potential of tourism faces serious challenges due, primarily, to the discrepancy between the conditions visitors are increasingly looking for and the conditions provided by Romanian destinations. In order to accept the challenges with chances of success the tourism policy making should radically change direction. The authors identify three main priorities: focus on general development, put policy in the service of visitors first, improve communication and branding.

In modern economies services are dominant. As the role of services is increasing, the difference between goods and services is vanishing, but most of our economics and business knowledge is developed from a manufacturing perspective which is no more satisfactory in the new service economy conditions. One important aspect is that the ability of a country to participate effectively to the growing international trade in services depends more and more on its attractiveness as a visitors' destination. Although there is a well developed understanding of the role of tourism to the general economic and social development, it is less understood the effect of economic and social living conditions as visitor attractiveness factors.Reviewing recent studies, assessments and reports regarding the travel & tourism economy of Romania, authors found out that achieving the economic potential of tourism faces serious challenges due, primarily, to the discrepancy between the conditions visitors are increasingly looking for and the conditions provided by Romanian destinations. In order to accept the challenges with chances of success the tourism policy making should radically change direction. The authors identify three main priorities: focus on general development, put policy in the service of visitors first, improve communication and branding.

Management of natural resources in the context of sustainable development can be defined as the economic management of natural resources to allow their perpetual and undiminished supply. At the same time, use of the local natural resources should contribute to the economic and social development of the local community. It is vitally important to emphasize the role of local participation and knowledge. Experience, understanding, and expertise need to be assessed to help to determine the most effective roles for local individuals within the sustainable natural resource project. This assessment and its implications for the economy, community and protection of natural resources at the state, regional and local levels are a subject for case study.

O artigo foca os "sistemas agroalimentares localizados" (SAL), clusters de atividades de produção de alimentos que registram produção primária, transformação e comercialização. Representando uma derivação para questões rurais das abordagens sobre aglomerações produtivas, esse enfoque chama a atenção para os recursos locais específicos, especialmente os de ordem ambiental e sócio-cultural. O tema dos SAL é utilizado como "chave de leitura" em estudo sobre a maricultura de Santa Catarina, setor que outorgou destaque nacional a esse estado no cultivo de moluscos. Sublinha-se, na análise, a importância de fatores relacionados aos "capitais" humano, social e natural, presentes no litoral catarinense, e acentua-se o caráter de "recurso específico" incrustado na rede de vínculos que sustentou o crescimento da maricultura, uma rede que se revela, ela própria, uma importante inovação.This article is about "local agro-food systems" (LAS), clusters of activities of food production where primary production, processing outlets and marketing units are observed. Representing an extension to rural questions of the approaches which relate the possibilities of local and regional development to aspects like proximity, institutions and local articulations, this form of analysis emphasizes the importance of specific local resources, particularly the environmental and socio-cultural ones. The subject of LAS is taken in an analysis of mariculture in Santa Catarina, a sector in which this state has reached a remarkable position mainly as a producer of mollusks. The analysis highlights the importance of factors relating to "capital" in its human, social and natural forms, noticed along the coast of Santa Catarina, and points out the character of "resource specific" attached to the network of relationships behind the growth of mariculture, a network which is in itself an important innovation.

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