Maurizio Baussola

Growth and development studies have been furthered considerably over the last years, on both theoretical and empirical grounds. Endogenous growth theories have emphasised the role of human and physical capital or R&D investment in determining the growth rate of the economy. Many studies have tried to test the reliability of the new growth theories and the convergence hypothesis between national or regional economies. In addition, globalisation has increased interest in such topics. Thus, nowadays most theories and policies are directed at investigating which factors may explain growth differentials and the competitiveness of national and regional economies. The Department of Economic and Social Sciences at the Catholic University in Piacenza has focused its research programmes on regional development and the related policy issues launching a Master Programme in Territorial Marketing (MUMAT) and organising, in July 2003, an international workshop (Local Development and Economic Policy) in order to debate the most relevant issues at international level. This book collects several studies regarding local development policies, and represents an important contribution to such a debate.