An indicator for integrated regional planning: A case study of Portugal's west region

In recent years, the emphasis on utilizing data-driven strategies for territorial planning has grown significantly. Present indicators exhibit certain limitations, notably their singular focus on a sole dimension, insufficient availability of actionable data, and constraints on the territorial approach due to conditions exclusive to specific territories. We propose a novel framework to build a composite indicator that measures the multidimensional activity of a region. Based on data from electronic payments, energy consumption, traffic congestion, and public transport usage, the indicator was implemented in the western region of Portugal, and its spatial and temporal variations across 12 municipalities were analysed. We discuss the implications of the results for regional planning and policy making. This work can enrich the resources available for territorial planners and policymakers, by providing a replicable framework for supporting spatiotemporal granular data-driven decision-making, gauging policies and interventions, and contributing to sustainable planning at the regional level. • Generalizable framework on how to develop a high frequency dynamic indicator for the regional • Implementation of the indicator in Oeste CIM region, in Portugal • Analysis of the indicator's values variation across space and time • Discusses the implications of the work, suggesting measures and policy for regional planning