A seven-step "wish-list" to put Cumbria's economy on the road to recovery has been published. In April, decision makers from local government, business and the community came together for a summit organised by the North West Regional Assembly.
They were asked for ideas to solve the area's economic underperformance.
Cumbria's economic output has fallen from 92% of the national average in 1995, then slightly above the North West average, to 77% in 2001.
This is the worst performance of any sub-region in the UK.
The seven steps are to improve transport links by road, rail, sea and air including developing Carlisle Airport and a university for Cumbria.
Other strands are to revolutionise the tourism sector, revitalised and affordable housing, support for the 'Keep our Future Afloat' campaign to protect jobs in Barrow.
There are plans to for an energy and enviro-tec strategy for Cumbria to make sure it wins a share of the environmental goods and services market and to fight for investment into Cumbria.
North West Regional Assembly leader Derek Boden said: "The summit made the point that Cumbria is a great place to live, work, visit and do business, but it is facing a dramatic drop in economic prosperity.
"The goal of the summit was to identify priorities for action so that Cumbria's economic performance could be improved.
"It is very encouraging that a consensus has emerged around seven key actions.
"The Cumbrian economy cannot be allowed to decline further. For the North West to prosper Cumbria must prosper - we cannot leave any part of the region behind while other areas make progress."
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The Cumbrian economy cannot be allowed to decline further 
