Internationalization as a tool within the framework of a local development strategy. A proposal for the city of Santa Rosa-La Pampa

Abstract

The following paper proposes the basic guidelines for an internationalization policy of Santa Rosa city, located in the province of La Pampa. This is thought as an essential aspect of a local sustainable development strategy. This is how this Internationalization Plan emerges as a strategic element to think the development of the city and set the basis on which to build a long term professional strategy to accomplish goals inherent to the international relationships of Santa Rosa.
In this action plan it is put under discussion within the diagnosis some central previous issues which refer to both, the decision making process and the state policy determination. In the first place it highlights the need to recreate a multi-actor dialogue space which allows reaching a synthesis of the different particular interests within a shared project. In the second place, the following requirements are established: to improve articulation between the different levels of the government spheres; to achieve a higher grade of local government autonomy and to set definitions for the development profile which the city aims at.
Finally, the plan proposes to provide the local government structure with an International Relationships Area; the promotion of collaborative partnerships; the incorporation of the city into international municipal networks and a sensitization communicational strategy on the importance of internationalization.