Regional development is rooted in place-based strategic planning and strengthened
regional innovation systems. In Romania, the eight Regional Development Agencies
(RDAs) are responsible for strategic planning for regional development and delivering
innovation support services to regional and local actors. They also manage the public
investment funds dedicated to these activities. These are challenging tasks. Many
RDAs face difficulties in ensuring that regional and sub-regional development objectives
and priorities align, expanding the definition of innovation, and activating their
regional innovation ecosystem. Equally difficult is keeping stakeholders engaged and
committed to the regional development and innovation agendas. This report synthesises
the regional development and innovation challenges facing Romania’s RDAs and potential
activities to overcome these in three areas – strategic planning and performance measurement,
finance and implementation, and communication and stakeholder engagement. It also
offers insights and recommendations for higher-levels bodies to further support RDAs
through guidance, facilitating peer-exchange, and actively engaging the RDAs in regional
development decision making.