ABSTRACT
The argument for disregard is that efficiency policies in economic development will trickle down economic benefits to all regions eventually. It is also argued that development is a zero-sum issue and thus resources are better spent in highly productive regions. This may not be the case for all regions, however, and, indeed, less efficient short-term investments may lead to long-term efficiency in lagging regions and significantly affect overall national productivity. In the arena of regional development theory it is also apparent that greater attention must be paid to variables other than economic. In terms of regional policy measures and programs there exists a similar myopia. Decision-making regarding "cures" rests usually in the economic center with little attention to the population of the lagging regions and their needs or their perception of their needs. Most policy measures are applied with little regard to monitoring mechanisms, cost-benefit analysis, or predicted time-horizons for success.
