Making Decentralisation Work
A Handbook for Policy-Makers
This report offers a comprehensive overview of decentralisation policies and reforms
in OECD countries and beyond. Sometimes called a “silent” or “quiet” revolution, decentralisation
is among the most important reforms of the past 50 years. The report argues that decentralisation
outcomes – in terms of democracy, efficiency, accountability, regional and local development
– depend greatly on the way it is designed and implemented. Making the most of decentralisation
systems is particularly crucial in the context of a “geography of discontent” and
growing divides between places that feel left behind by globalisation and technological
change and those that may benefit from the opportunities offered by megatrends. The
report identifies 10 guidelines for making decentralisation work and allowing it to
be conducive to regional development. Beyond the guidelines, the report proposes concrete
tools for policy-makers, including detailed sets of recommendations, checklists, pitfalls
to avoid and examples of good practices, both in unitary and federal countries.
Published on March 19, 2019Also available in: French
In series:OECD Multi-level Governance Studiesview more titles