What is the process of delegating powers to local or regional governments called?

The process of delegating powers to local or regional governments is known as devolution. This term specifically refers to the transfer of authority and responsibilities from a central government to local or regional levels of government, allowing them to exercise greater control over certain policy areas. Devolution is often seen as a way to bring governance closer to the people, enabling decisions that are more responsive to local needs and circumstances.

It is distinct from federalism, which describes a system where power is constitutionally divided between the national and regional governments, rather than being delegated at the discretion of a central authority. Nationalization refers to the transfer of private assets into public ownership, and centralization is the concentration of administrative power in a central authority, which is the opposite of devolution. Thus, devolution accurately captures the essence of transferring power to local governments.