Routledge Restructuring Regional and Local Economies: Towards a Comparative Study of Scotland and Upper Silesia (Routledge Revivals)

This title was first published in 2003. Throughout Western Europe and the former Soviet bloc, the structural shift from traditional heavy industry towards lighter manufacturing and services has often had a strong regional dimension. This volume brings together researchers and practitioners from Scotland and Poland to share such restructuring experiences. The Poles, now closer than ever to EU membership, are eager to draw on Western experience while Western experts and institutions have an opportunity to contribute to shaping regional policy in Central Europe. The book is divided into four sections: the first examines economic transformation and restructuring; the second focuses on social partnerships and their role in regional development; the third looks at enterprise-supporting initiatives; the final section questions the role of FDI. Its Scottish-Polish focus provides a fresh perspective on policy for regional and local development, summarising recent developments in both countries and stressing the importance of building appropriate institutional capacity to promote strong local economies. Review ’This book provides a novel and thoughtful comparison of the debilitating processes of economic decline and reorganisation in two old industrial regions of Western and Eastern Europe. It also offers critical insights into the various urban, regional and industrial policy responses of government. The analysis and lessons it draws will be of interest to readers throughout Europe as the continent becomes increasingly integrated and regional disparities become more severe.’ Ivan Turok, Glasgow University, UK ’This is a highly readable volume providing an interesting, informative and up-to-date comparative assessment of regional restructuring in West Scotland and Upper Silesia...The book should be essential reading for both students and specialists in regional development with an interest in policy transfer between Western and East-Central Europe.’ John Bachtler, University of Strathclyde, UK ’...intriguing...deserves a wide audience...’ Geography ’Given the considerable changes facing the EU, this is a very timely book...the editor and the contributors to this collection of essays should be commended for providing us with an exemplary in-depth study of two traditional manufacturing regions, their economic and historical legacy, the process of transformation and the institutional and political context within which policy has sought to adds problems of seismic job losses, technological change and structural shift in the nature of industrial organization.’ Urban Studies