Localism: Sufficient and fit for purpose? – Regional Studies Association’s Conference

Időpont:

2011. november 03. csütörtök

Helyszín: Manchester, Egyesült Királyság, Anglia

This one-day Regional Studies Association’s conference focuses on a crucial question which will form the theme for this conference: can localism deliver effective interventions and outcomes at a time when economic shifts have forced an adjustment to social, political, and cultural norms to which places must respond?

Description

Localism and regionalism tend to be seen as conflicting and competing conceptions of territorial organisation. These two forms of territorial organisation have their origins in different schools of thought, underpinned by fundamentally different ideals around the structure and role of both government and governance in territorial management, the scales at which these functions are most effectively operationalised and how they relate to each other.

Nevertheless, many successful economies around the world have strong local government structures which are complemented by regional structures, either in the form of federal elected regional bodies, regional development institutions, or special purpose delivery vehicles. International evidence suggests that

A regional structure provides a mechanism for thinking strategically about priorities of regional significance such as economic development and transport;
That it allows scope for the setting of longer-term policy priorities;
That it can coordinate and frame collective arguments and priorities, and in doing so can provide a conduit through which to lobby national government and, increasingly, international agencies, yet also organise a plethora of local interests.

Is the local scale fit for purpose in contributing to these issues as well?

The conference is open to all: academics; policy makers and practitioners; and we especially encourage early career researchers, including individuals who are currently undertaking an academic degree or post-doctoral studies, to attend and use this opportunity to present their research.

Programme

The day will consist of both parallel workshop sessions and plenary sessions. The plenary sessions have 4 themes:

1. The Politics and Governance of Territorial Development under Localism;

2. Sub-National Economic Development and Localism;

3. Planning, Regeneration and Localism;

4. Localism and the Environment.

Contributions are welcomed on the following themes: