This publication analyzes relationships between various forms of learning and economic performance at the regional level and provides rather strong evidence of the importance of individual and firm-level organizational learning for regions' economic performance. Chapter 1 is an introduction. Chapter 2 maps out a conceptual framework for the "learning region" by using the systems of innovation approach. It focuses on the relationships between the development of regional systems of innovation and the processes of individual and organizational learning. Chapter 3 presents a set of research questions to be addressed in the empirical analysis. Chapter 4 addresses some research questions through correlation analyses of learning and economic performance for all regions in the 15 member states of the European Union. Chapter 5 gives the empirical analysis greater depth through five case studies of actual regions attempting to respond positively to the challenges posed by the emergence of the new learning economy. The diversity of socioeconomic circumstances and developmental strategies emphasizes that each area necessarily has to create its own strategy for economic and social growth that must reflect the specifics of its past and current circumstances. Chapter 6 summarizes conclusions of the empirical work, a necessary basis for identifying problems that could and should be solved or mitigated through public policy intervention. Chapter 7 presents such policy implications and ends with a list of 10 policy principles for creating and sustaining "learning regions." Appendixes include statistical profiles of the case study areas. (Contains 96 references.) (YLB)