The main ambition behind RELOCAL is an evidence-based advocacy of localist approaches to cohesion and other spatial development policies where the EU plays a key role. New conceptual frameworks as well as policy models are needed in order to promote the development of Cohesion and other EU policies into more locally sensitive opportunity structures, both in terms of participation and the more effective inclusion of local concerns and social needs. At the same time, arguments of fairness, justice as well as efficiency need to be developed more broadly as well as place-specifically in order to meet the very different needs that are articulated by different localities.
There are also methodological issues at stake. The project has the ambition to further the cause of qualitative policy indicators based on in-depth case studies utilising local knowledge and interaction with stakeholders.
