< Table of contents >
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Executive summary
1 A policy framework and policy recommendations to address demographic change
Main trends and drivers
The impact of demographic change
Policy implications of demographic change
Policy recommendations
References
Notes
2 Demographic trends in OECD countries: towards a definition of depopulating places
Population decline and ageing occur amidst urban concentration
Ageing reflects longer lives but poses challenges to many OECD countries
Ageing and population decline are compounding in shrinking cities, creating multi-dimensional challenges
Measuring demographic change and defining “depopulation”
References
3 Adapting spatial planning, housing and infrastructure to demographic change
Spatial planning needs to respond to severe and lasting depopulation
Ensuring access to infrastructure and key services
Addressing housing challenges in regions facing marked population decline
Policies to address strong depopulation need to integrate environmental challenges
References
4 Adapting multi-level governance, finance, service and infrastructure provision to demographic change
The effects of demographic shrinking on multi-level governance, subnational finance and the provision of services and infrastructure
Strengthening multi-level governance: five key strategies for adapting to demographic shrinkage
Navigating service and infrastructure delivery in depopulating regions 81
References
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Title : Shrinking Smartly and Sustainably (OECD Rural Studies)
Publication : OECD, 2025 (94 pages)