Growth Analysis was given the assignment, in the Letter of Regulation for 2010, to analyse the contributions of municipalities and regions to the regional growth initiatives.

Swedish regional policy has developed during the last few decades from being a centrally governed policy with clear elements of equalisation and localisation policy initiatives, to a more regionally directed development and growth-oriented policy.

The policy now covers the whole country whereas in the past only certain defined geographical areas were encompassed.
 
In recent years increased efforts have been made to coordinate the initiatives within the various political areas. These initiatives have been recognised as an important instrument to improve the outcome of the overall policy.