Planning for a resilient peripheral region : a regional policy approach

Abstract

The impact of global and national market shifts, together with continuous migration trends and resource shortages are identified as detrimental to the optimal functioning of the peripheral region. This research study aims to provide a regional policy framework for a more resilient peripheral region. In the attainment of this aim, the study at hand will have a three-pronged approach to the research, i.e. (i) to analyse the theoretical foundation of regional planning tools and their impact on regional resilience; (ii) to evaluate the content of international regional policies in terms of their broad outcomes; and (iii) to determine and propose a developmental policy approach towards more resilient peripheral regions. The research identifies 17 case study countries from which approaches to peripheral regional development is investigated. South African spatial planning and regional policy is subsequently investigated, followed by a more detailed quantitative analysis of indicators associated with the three pillars identified as being pivotal for greater evolutionary regional resilience. The study concludes with internationally appropriate recommendations as well as detailed proposals for a specific peripheral region in South Africa, per illustration of the proposed “Progressive Peripheral Regional Resilience” lens, keeping with the pragmatic paradigm