Sustainable development has become an imperative for policy-making at all levels in recent years. Recognising the fact that the success of sustainable development depends on implementation of the principles close to the ground, regions have become key motors in driving forward the sustainability agenda. In the European Union, there has been a growing awareness of the role of regions in delivering sustainable development. One programme sponsored by the European Union (Innovative Actions) provides regions with the opportunity
to develop experimental approaches. One of the three themes in which regions have been encouraged to innovate is sustainable development
