April 2009

Welcome to the seventh electronic ESPON 2013 Newsletter. It offers information on the latest developments of the ESPON Programme.
 

Understanding and monitoring the foot print of the global economic recession on regions, cities and larger territories are in high demand. The financial sector sends mixed signals on a bettering or worsening of the crisis. The media informs daily on sectors and production plants being shot down in specific places causing social stress from the laid off employees. Some citizens mostly in central and eastern areas of Europe seem to reverse the move from rural to urban locations.

Territories relating highly on export seem to be more vulnerable. However, many sectors of the economy are apparently still doing well, even at a lower level of growth. Politicians see synergies coupling the economic recovery and climate change issues by promoting green technologies. Other politicians see the creative economy as a driver for innovation and growth. Many conferences address these issues. Many more will do so in the months ahead. To mention but one, lately the OECD took an important initiative hosting an important policy event in Paris on the Global Crisis and Regional responses.