The aim of this study is to calculate a Social and Economic Development Index (SEDI), regarding each concelho (NUTS IV) of Portugal. From there it will move forward to seeking for clusters. Results point to coastal areas/hinterland dichotomies as well as the significant asymmetries between each concelho, which suggests the need for a special care in setting up the spatial boundaries prior to its application to regional development policies on behalf of its true effectiveness.
Social and Economic Development Index; Local development; Cluster Analysis