Regional development

Teacher(s)

Dejardin Marcus;

Language

French

Main themes

This course will be articulated around two axes: - relations between the projects/actors (public development societies, companies, social and cultural actors, etc.) and concepts such as dialogue, partnership, networks of information and collaboration, etc., according to various approaches and uses in terms of regional development; - the nature of the "collective process of development", based on the interactions between economic and social agents, a process transforming its environment into a dynamic economic factor.

Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of this course, the student will be able - to analyze the history and the various contemporary approaches of the regional development; - to master the main concepts (historical evolution and various contemporary approaches) relevant in the area of regional development; - to apply these concepts to realities of their local environment.

Content

This course applies a selected set of tools derived from the economic analysis to entrepreneurial and territorial dynamics, as well as their interrelationships. The results of this analysis are used to make a diagnosis of a territorial reality, distinguishing between proven or potential entrepreneurial development factors, as well as in the outline of a development strategy. Ultimately, the aim is to formulate detailed proposals for territorial development action.
Objectives:
• Examination of a theoretical framework geared towards application to concrete cases.
• Application of a methodology developed in the course.
• Reflection on the political and / or social action in the field covered by the theme of the course.
• Opening of debates on issues related to the theme of the course.
Structure:
The course is developed according to two articulated parts, each comprising two periods.

The first part is dedicated to the economic analysis of entrepreneurial and territorial dynamics as well as their interrelationships.

On the one hand, we examine the entrepreneurial phenomenon (occupational choice, entrepreneurial functions, allocation of entrepreneurial resources) and, on the other hand, the more general elements involved in explaining territorial development. The approach is first inductive. Somewhat quickly are presented some analytical tools. The conceptual and theoretical foundations are made explicit and discussed. Some development models are reviewed, distinguishing in particular what emerges from an endogenous and exogenous approach of territorial development.
These arguments put in place, we question the interrelationships between entrepreneurship and territory and the conditions of their cumulative dynamics.

In a second part, the results of the economic analysis are used. On the one hand, it is about making a diagnosis on a territorial reality, by distinguishing the factors of entrepreneurial development, proven or potential. On the other hand, the diagnosis is mobilized together with a strategic vision of territorial development. All of this leads to the definition of detailed proposals for territorial development action. The circumstances are discussed, including the choice of values, specific to the development action, whether it is public, private or mixed initiative.

The content of the course is used in some application exercises leading to the formulation of development action proposals with reference to a reality chosen by the students.

Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

The courses will be given in classroom and / or remotely depending on the evolution of health conditions.
The course alternates lectures and seminar work.

The seminar work consists more particularly in critical analyzes of texts proposed by the professor. The students' experience is put to use. Seminar exchanges are usually prepared by working in subgroups.

The purpose of the lectures is to effectively convey conceptual and theoretical knowledge of regional development.

Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Students are assessed individually in classroom or remotely depending on changes in health conditions.
The assessment is conducted through an oral examination on the acquisition and understanding of concepts and theoretical arguments that will have been exposed to the course (weighting: 5/10).

This exam is accompanied by the conception and writing of a work done in sub-group. It is a quick application whose spirit must reflect the objectives pursued in this course. The topic of the application will have been approved by the teacher (weighting: 4/10). The date of submission of this work is to be defined according to the agenda of the year.

The participation of the student in the seminar work is valued at 1/10.

In the case of a second session, the assessment takes the form of an oral examination with preparation time. If necessary, the subgroup work is to be reworked individually.

Other information

This activity takes place according to pedagogical, hourly and organizational methods adapted to the specific public of FOPES.

Online resources

See the Moodle site linked to the course.
To know more on the topic:
https://uclouvain.be/fr/facultes/espo/fopes/dynamiques-entrepreneuriales-et-territoriales.html

Bibliography

Cf. portefeuille de textes choisis par le professeur.

Faculty or entity

OPES