Investigation on Sweden's cohesive development submitted
On Monday, June 29, the government received the investigation on the future regional development policy and rural policy. The investigation proposes a new, cohesive development policy for the entire country with the goal of a more cohesive, robust, and competitive Sweden. A central starting point is that the policy should increasingly be based on the needs and conditions of different places.
– For Sweden to stand strong, a policy that harnesses the entire country's strength is required. This investigation points out how we can better meet the conditions of different places and contribute to development, jobs, and future confidence throughout Sweden, says Minister of Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren.
LEADER and the role of the Leader method in the investigation
The investigation agrees with the description of the importance of Leaders for local development but also sees that the Leader method can have a greater impact at the regional level as well as for the development of the entire country. The method could also be used for development work in other geographies than rural areas.
”The investigation sees value in the Leader method as a working method where the competence and strength of civil society can be channeled, while the partnership is formalized and anchored through the state and the EU. The Leader method involves a tripartite partnership between the non-profit, private, and public sectors, where it also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with academia and in that context highlights the role of the Leader method for innovation and new solutions.”
”Locally led development through the Leader method should be applied throughout the country, primarily focusing on broad rural development. Opportunities to also use the Leader method for development in other geographies than rural areas should be tested. This could involve intra-regional cohesion, for example, between urban and rural areas. It could also be about exploring the possibilities of using the method in geographies that do not follow either Leader areas or administrative boundaries, such as islands and archipelagos or mountain regions.”
”Furthermore, we propose an obligation for the regions to consult with local action groups (LAG) within Leader. Both the proposal for a national council and the proposal for an obligation for the regions to consult with LAG strengthen the participation of civil society in the development policy that we propose.”