Development-centered

Development-centered describes an approach, policy, or activity where the primary focus and guiding principle are the fostering of progress, improvement, and growth, particularly concerning human flourishing, societal advancement, or economic expansion. It emphasizes long-term benefits and sustainable outcomes, prioritizing initiatives that contribute to the overall well-being and betterment of individuals and communities. This perspective often incorporates elements of social justice, equitable distribution of resources, and environmental sustainability to ensure balanced and inclusive development. The term highlights the intentionality of putting development at the heart of decision-making processes, contrasting with approaches that may prioritize short-term gains, narrow interests, or disregard broader societal consequences.

Development-centered meaning with examples

• The non-profit organization adopted a development-centered approach to address poverty. Their programs focused on providing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to empower communities and promote sustainable growth. Instead of short-term aid, they invested in infrastructure and skill-building initiatives to foster long-term self-sufficiency and societal advancement, resulting in measurable improvements in quality of life for the beneficiaries.
• The government implemented a development-centered economic policy aimed at diversifying the nation's industries and fostering innovation. They provided incentives for research and development, encouraged entrepreneurship, and invested in infrastructure projects. This approach prioritized creating opportunities for all citizens and ensuring that economic progress benefited the entire society, rather than just a select few or a single sector.
• The urban planning project took a development-centered perspective, focusing on creating sustainable and livable communities. This approach prioritized the design of public spaces, access to green areas, and the integration of public transportation. The aim was to improve the quality of life for residents, promote social cohesion, and mitigate the environmental impact of urban expansion by creating healthy environments.
• The curriculum design incorporated a development-centered framework, with the main focus on equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. Teachers were encouraged to facilitate experiential learning activities, encourage students to explore different subjects and skills and foster a spirit of innovation. This learner-centered pedagogy emphasized the comprehensive personal and intellectual growth of each student and the development of their abilities.