Mario Carrier

Mario Carrier is a Professor at the École supérieure d’aménagement du territoire et de développement régional (ÉSAD), also known as the Graduate School of Regional Planning and Development, at Laval University in Quebec, Canada. He has been a faculty member at this institution since 2002, where he teaches in the field of local and regional development. Prior to joining Laval, he served as a professor at the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), where he directed the Desjardins Chair in the Development of Small Communities from 1996 to 2001.

His educational background is deeply rooted at Laval University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology (1983), a Master’s in Regional Planning and Development (ATDR) (1986), and a PhD in Economic Sociology (1992). His academic and professional expertise lies at the intersection of sociology and urban planning.

Carrier's research centers on the dynamics of economic development, with a focus on innovation networks among firms, territorial governance, and the effectiveness of public policy tools in development contexts. He explores how planning intersects with environmental concerns and regional development strategies. His work reflects a strong commitment to understanding the socio-institutional frameworks that shape sustainable regional growth.

Since 2002, Mario Carrier has been an active member of the Centre for Research in Planning and Development (CRAD) at Laval University, contributing to interdisciplinary research projects that bridge planning theory and policy practice. While no specific publications or awards are listed in the provided text, his long-standing affiliation with CRAD underscores his sustained engagement in scholarly research and academic collaboration.

• Member, Centre for Research in Planning and Development (CRAD), Laval University (since 2002)

He has advised numerous students in regional planning and development, though specific names are not listed. His teaching and research have significantly contributed to the academic and professional training of planners and policymakers in Quebec and beyond.

Carrier works within interdisciplinary teams focused on regional development challenges, particularly in rural and small community contexts. His prior leadership of the Desjardins Chair highlights his expertise in community-based development strategies and partnerships between academia and local institutions.