Heritage and Regional Development: A Process-and-outcomes Typology

ANZRSAI's 2006 conference emphasised the important role played by natural, built and cultural heritage in 'driving' regional development. But how can heritage be successfully tapped as a regional development resource, and what kinds of outcomes may result? This paper proposes a typology of approaches, drawing on examples from around the world. The typology is organised according to the level of 'cultural integration' of a given heritage initiative. It focuses on three key areas: Identification Process (how heritage resources are identified), Implementation Process (what kinds of approaches are taken to 'develop' or make use of these resources), and Outcomes (the kinds of outcomes that result). The typology is intended to assist regional development practitioners and academics to recognise and evaluate the broad range of ways that 'heritage' can be used in regional development and the varied outcomes that can be generated. Specifically, the paper considers how to move from opportunistic to sustainable processes, and from single-dimensional to multidimensional outcomes.