The adoption of a regulatory framework for industrial parks network in the Ave Valley, Portugal

Industrial parks are perceived as an integral part of the regional development strategies and are recognized as an effective tool to promote the economic growth, the urban renewal and the spatial organisation. The aim of this paper is to present the main conclusions of a study realised in the Ave valley, a traditional industrial area settled in the North of Portugal, in order to create an industrial park network. The results obtained clearly show the advantages of developing a regional network approach, reducing the impact of certain local debilities. Based on a multi-criteria analysis, some sceneries and measures are described as future challenges to create more innovative and attractive industrial park accommodations in the Ave valley