Devolution and the Evolution of Regional Science

Devolution is an institutional issue with several dimensions-space, ownership, and time. Because it has a spatial dimension, regional scientists are well positioned to contribute to the devolution debate. The transition from public to private ownership can create incentives for corruption. To address transitions we will need to draw on sociology and political science. Because they are more centralized, southern states may be less institutionally equipped to handle devolution than other states. Rural local governments are also less equipped than urban governments to handle devolution. Regional scientists can assist local governments with analysis and training.