Project description
Bridging the gap between policies and localities
Territorial inequalities that are evident at the local level are becoming increasingly prominent in larger settings such as cities, countries, and even among European policymakers within the context of the EU. Recognising the significance of this issue, there is a growing demand for a better comprehension of how territorial inequality is formed and manifests itself throughout Europe. Moreover, there is a need to develop strategies to combat this problem and provide support to local communities. In this context, the EU-funded RELOCAL project aims to examine this phenomenon in detail and explore its impact on communities. Ultimately, the project intends to equip policymakers with the necessary knowledge to bridge the gap between policies and localities after completing the research phase.
Objective
There is an increasing need for developing European Union Cohesion Policy in terms of greater sensitivity towards territorial specificities, more supportive of community-based development and the facilitation of greater civic participation. This also relates to the concern over decreasing identification with the European project among the population. Place-based development, endogenous regional development and territorial capital are some of the policy approaches that have been invoked to facilitate a reorientation of Cohesion Policy and territorial development policy. These need to be connected more specifically to notions of the local and localism. RELOCAL will target this objective by exploring in depth the two dimensions underlying the challenge described in the Call text. The project will be based on case studies of local contexts (e.g. cities and their regions) that exemplify development challenges in terms of spatial justice. Among the research questions that have been identified are the following:
- How can spatial justice be conceptualised, operationalised, adapted?
- How processes of territorial inequalities in different localities be understood and analysed?
- How does the local relate to cohesion in an EU context?
- What factors and filters are operating that enhance or limit the relation between the local and cohesion? What might bridge abstract notions of spatial justice and local practises on the one hand and CP on the other?
- Is there a territorial trap in thinking locally, endogenously? Can enhanced autonomy contribute to spatial justice? How can processes of place-making be related to spatial justice?
- What is the scope for alternative development, stabilisation, sustainability, solidarity models/scenarios?
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.3.6. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Europe In A Changing World - Inclusive, Innovative And Reflective Societies Main Programme
- H2020-EU.3.6.1.2. - Trusted organisations, practices, services and policies that are necessary to build resilient, inclusive, participatory, open and creative societies in Europe, in particular taking into account migration, integration and demographic change
- H2020-EU.3.6.1.4. - The promotion of sustainable and inclusive environments through innovative spatial and urban planning and design
Call for proposal
H2020-SC6-REV-INEQUAL-2016-2017
See other projects for this callSub call
H2020-SC6-REV-INEQUAL-2016
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
70211 KUOPIO
Finland