Alta Estremadura is an highly integrated territory, defined by an urban system highlighted by the Leiria-Marinha Grande axis, around which are structured the agglomerates of Batalha, Porto de Mós and Ourém.

This system has been consolidating itself since the sixties, as a result of an evolution of the regional economy, translated into a diffuse type of industrialization based on small and medium enterprises, and on a profound change of the rural base. These changes left their mark in the forms of settlement, in the land uses and in the articulation between the local means of production, which required the development of instruments for guiding its spatial development.

Considering this context, the Study aimed at asserting the territorial competitiveness of Alta Estremadura, configured as an integrated development strategy and as an instrument of mobilization of actors and institutional agreement and negotiation.

Based on the vulnerabilities and capabilities identified in the diagnosis and with reference to the overall vision, the main objectives, goals and guidelines of the Plan, the actions and key projects for the development of Alta Estremadura were set and structured into four major areas: (i) Heritage and culture; (ii) Accessibility and transport; (iii) Productive structure and human resources; (iv) Urban environment and quality of life.