ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at top-down attempts to reduce marginality. It provides brief discussion of the development question, a topic that is considered from a global perspective. The chapter presents regional policy on a national scale, emphasizing in particular the case of Switzerland. It examines the efficiency of top-down measures. Efficient regional development policy must take the population into account and not only be conceived of as a top-down strategy. Regional policy is a national task, and it is the national institutions that set the general framework. This 'regional policy hexagon' cannot be taken as a general model but is restricted to the Swiss case because of the political background. Regional policy alone cannot bring about miracles. Its efficiency is limited because a variety of interests, perceptions and time frames collide and complicate its implementation. The chapter concludes with few general remarks on regional policy and the political system.
