Hur motiveras den svenska regionutvecklingen? En studie av aktuella reformförslag

Sammanfattning: This thesis deals with the Swedish regionalization process by examining the latest official report on matter, Statens regionala förvaltning – en angelägen reform (SOU 2012:81). The report contains two major propositions for reform that this study aims to understand. The first concerns where the responsibility should rest for regional development, and the second addresses the county government (Länsstyrelsen) at the regional level. The purpose is to understand the impact on the two propositions and whether they are based on democratic or economical ideas, and if they are initiated and driven from actors “above” or “below”. By using qualitative method and theories from Lennart Lundquist and Jörgen Gren, the study concludes that the first proposition on development responsibility is based on democratic ideas that people should be more included in the decision-making. The second proposition concerning county government is based on economical ideas of a more cost-effective public sector. The most interesting aspect about the findings is however that the proposals may yield more economical and “modern” regions in spite of the fact that the original purpose was to increase democracy and public involvement.