Focus and Scope

The scope of LEADER is firmly grounded in development economics and development policy, with particular emphasis on the following areas:

1. Local and Regional Economics

Studies that examine regional economic growth, spatial inequality, regional competitiveness, local economic structures and specialization, the development of industrial clusters, and development strategies based on local potential and comparative advantages, including the development of agro-industry based on leading regional commodities as a strategy to enhance value added, promote structural transformation from primary sectors to processing and manufacturing activities, and strengthen local and regional economic competitiveness.

2. Creative Economy and Tourism

Research focusing on the role of the creative economy and tourism in local and regional development, including community-based tourism, regional creative industries, sustainable destination development, cultural economy, and the socio-economic impacts of the tourism sector.

3. Institutional Economics and Development

Analyses of formal and informal institutions, governance quality, local government capacity, public policy, as well as issues of corruption, transparency, and accountability in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development.

4. Entrepreneurship Economics and Local Industrialization

Studies on entrepreneurial dynamics, MSME development, local industrial clusters and zones, resource-based industrialization, the integration of local firms into regional and global value chains, as well as innovation and productivity-enhancing policies.

5. Digital Economy and Regional Structural Transformation

Research examining digital transformation and its implications for changes in local and regional economic structures, including digital platforms and ecosystems, smart cities and smart regions, the digitalization of traditional sectors, and its impacts on productivity, employment, and regional inequality.