Source: Jackson, R.W. "The Web Book of Regional Science"

Science on regional development is usually focused on social and economical aspects of the regions. Therefore it includes questions such as: determinats of industrial locations (within the state as well as within the region); regional economical effects of the company entering or leaving the area; determinants of internal migrational movements and changes in space facilitation; regional specialization and exchange; effects on environment due to social and economical changes; geographical determination of economical and social conditions.

Source: Institute for Regional Development, University of Western Australia

Regional development can be observes as a complete proccess where physical environment, social and cultural resources of the region are used for benefit of the people in the ways that reflect comparative advantages offered based on inherent and geographically diverse properties of the region.

Source: Izrada strateških razvojnih programa – Temeljne smjernice, GTZ, 2003.

Regional development can be observed as a process of commence, structurisation and achievement of sustainable development, considering complex regional conditions, with application of suitable actions and tools aiming for economical development with simultaneous care for social principles and ecological demands.

Source: R. J. Stimson, Stough, R. R., Roberts, B. H.: "Regional Economic Development: Analysis and Planning Strategy", Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2002

Regional economic development is a commence of economic processes and use of regionally acceptable resources which results with sustainable development and desired economic results for the region, in accordance with values and expectations of enterprenuers, citizens and visitors. This approach aims to balance both qualitative and quantitative goals od economic development.