The review points to the need to redesign regional policy. The ongoing reform of fiscal federalism, supposed to foster subnational autonomy and to reduce disparities more effectively, is an important step towards balanced regional development. The review emphasises the need to extend regional policy to the entire country, and to link it more strongly to spatial planning, in order to ensure that all regions benefit from the advantages of liberalisation and globalisation.

Assessment and Recommendations
Chapter 1. Territorial Trends and Disparities
Chapter 2. Fiscal Federalism and Financial Equalisation
Chapter 3. Strategies and Policies for Territorial Development
Chapter 4. Metropolitan Areas
Chapter 5. The Outlook for Learning Regions
Bibliography