growth pole

Point within an area where economic growth is concentrated. This growth may encourage further development in the surrounding area (through the multiplier effect), especially in areas of industrial decline or stagnation, such as assisted areas. Growth poles are often towns, or parts of towns, that are gaining industry and expanding. They may be set up as part of a regional planning policy to help development in certain areas; for example, the Mezzogiorno, a region of poor economic performance in southern Italy.