Institute for Regional Development and Location Management

The research carried out by the Institute for Regional Development and Location Management focuses on the sustainable development of mountain regions. Practical solutions and possibilities are sought by means of regional, national and international projects in order to maintain and improve the quality of life in the economic and recreational areas of South Tyrol and the Alps, among other locations. The Institute forms part of an international network of government ministries, public bodies and other research institutes.

The scientific research into regional development concentrates on interdisciplinary questions of traffic planning and agrarian economics as well as the management of environmental and nature protection. The aim is to analyse the socio-economic, environmentally relevant and spatial relationships between traffic, land use and nature protection. Another important aspect of the work is using the Geographical Information System (GIS) to make the research results available in cartographic form.

Research into location management is concerned with the economic, political and spatial fundamentals required to ensure that locations remain competitive on a long-term basis. The practical focus is on tourism, culture and its interaction with the economy, as well as integrated local and urban development. This involves the development of products and services, comprehensive destination and location management and the development of quality and co-operation strategies.