The Research Observatory for Regional Politics (OVPR) is a research unit of the Institute of Political Studies. Officially created in 2011, the OVPR is placed under an institutional agreement between the Canton Ticino and the University of Lausanne.
Highlighting the role of political actors (elites, political parties) and citizens in their context, the main focus is devoted to regional and local aspects of political life. The research activities of the OVPR are inspired by an interdisciplinary concern linking political science, political sociology, history, urban studies and political geography, adopting both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, case studies and comparative approaches. The OVPR facilitates the relationship between the services of the public administration of the Canton of Ticino and the Swiss academic community.
The OVPR gives different scientific advices and services at the public administration of the Canton of Ticino thanks to supplementary fundings. The OVPR can also carry out other tasks, in compliance with its aims. Every year, the OVPR submits an assessment of its activities to the cantonal authorities. The delegate of the Government has the task to supervise the progress of the agreement between the University of Lausanne and the Canton of Ticino.
The members of the research unit are involved in several national and international research projects and networks. They have published several books and articles in Italian, French, German and English (cf. Publications).
