How to Evaluate Local Economic Development Projects from a People-Centred Perspective? An Analytical Framework Based on the Capability Approach

Judit Gébert,György Málovics,Zoltán Bajmócy

doi:10.32725/det.2017.010

Judit Gébert, György Málovics + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.32725/det.2017.010

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Abstract

International online peer-reviewed open-access journal offers a possibility for the international community of professionals working in the fields of regional and rural development or tourism to exchange their ideas and research results or practical achievements as it publishes results of both theoretical and applied research in these fields.

Highlights

Contemporary discussions in regional science about development are often organized around the idea of competitiveness (Capello, 2009)
We demonstrate the results of the three case studies jointly, in accordance with the analytical framework and we support the results with quotes from interviews
The present paper argues that the capability approach provides a meaningful alternative to the dominating competitiveness or growth-centred views for understanding and evaluating local development projects

Summary

Introduction

Contemporary discussions in regional science about development are often organized around the idea of competitiveness (Capello, 2009). Local economic development projects – like building an industrial park, a shopping mall or upgrading a touristic attraction – are dominantly evaluated from a competitiveness or growth-centred paradigm. While the rhetoric often highlights quality of life and livable cities, the task of the players in local economic development is still very much to operate the urban growth machine (Kirkpatrick & Smith, 2011). This approach is perceived to be value-free, assuming that while people may disagree about values, there is no real reason to disagree about growth or competitiveness (Bajmócy & Gébert, 2014). The competitiveness-based approach assumes a positive relationship between real income growth (or performance in global competition) and common good or well-being: whatever well-being is for individuals, it is definitely expanded by income growth

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