Regional concertation to promote industrial activity and employment: the perspective of the actors involved

In Catalonia, industry is essential in order to promote a sustainable development model associated with the creation of employment, and which takes advantage of the contributions provided by the knowledge society. Regional concertation can boost industrial activity in line with the inherent characteristics of local territories, among which the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona is included. This study portrays the decline in industrial occupation in Catalonia since the beginning of the 21st century, while underlining the importance of regional concertation in order to activate industry, and it highlights several international experiences with regards to this. Through interviews with key actors in concertation concerning its local implementation, it was considered an urgent measure to apply new types of locally concerted actions focused on boosting industrial activity while existing strengths and weaknesses were highlighted with a view to reinforcing the former.