Regional Development Policies and Their Role in Reducing Economic and Spatial Disparities: A Descriptive-Analytical Study of the Syrian Case

This study aims to analyze the role of regional development policies in reducing economic and spatial disparities in Syria, emphasizing the importance of integrating the spatial dimension into economic planning and the allocation of public and private investment. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach by examining the conceptual foundations of regional development and the causes of spatial disparities, and by analyzing the most prominent manifestations of regional inequality in Syria on the basis of available indicators related to poverty and vulnerability, physical damage, infrastructure and public services, demographic changes, and the productive base. The study demonstrates that regional disparities in Syria cannot be attributed solely to the crisis that began in 2011. Rather, they reflect an interaction between pre-existing spatial imbalances, the uneven effects of conflict, destruction and displacement, and differences in the ability of regions to utilize their resources and restore economic activity. The analysis further indicates that reliance on a single indicator, such as poverty or the extent of physical damage, does not provide a sufficient basis for determining development priorities.

Accordingly, the study proposes a regional development policy framework based on four interrelated dimensions: the development gap, the infrastructure and physical damage gap, underutilized economic potential, and demographic pressure. This framework makes it possible to identify the nature of the development challenge in each region and link it to an appropriate package of policies. The study concludes that achieving more balanced regional development requires a shift from equal resource distribution toward resource allocation based on needs, economic potential, and expected development impact, alongside greater integration of sectoral policies, local planning, multi-level governance, and the establishment of a regional information system capable of supporting evidence-based decision-making.