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Delivering strategic economic development in a time of urban austerity: European Union structural funds and the English city regions

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  • Alexander Nurse
  • Matthew Fulton

Abstract

Supranational funding such as that from the European Union has become a key ingredient of the economic development of many major cities. Set across comparatively short time frames, these schemes are constantly evaluated and realigned to reflect current priorities, becoming increasingly competitive as cities deploy every strategy available to mitigate the effects of urban austerity. In the United Kingdom, European Union funding is currently allocated through a multi-level structure involving the state, subregional structures and cities, all conforming to supranational (i.e. European Union) guidelines. Considering this, this paper explores the extent to which funds such as the European Regional Development Fund can be effectively drawn down to focus upon issues deemed to be locally important. The paper achieves this through a case study of policy making in Liverpool, United Kingdom which, having successfully used Objective One funding to support an economic recovery in the 1990–00s, is now fully engaged with European Regional Development Fund agendas. In doing so, the paper explores how successful European Regional Development Fund-funded schemes are developed, drawing out the experiences of key stakeholders working at each level of the funding process. This allows for a reflection on the effects of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union and, moreover, makes a series of policy recommendations as to how future funding strategies might be improved.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Nurse & Matthew Fulton, 2017. "Delivering strategic economic development in a time of urban austerity: European Union structural funds and the English city regions," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 32(3), pages 164-182, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:32:y:2017:i:3:p:164-182
    DOI: 10.1177/0269094217704646
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Crispian Fuller, 2018. "Entrepreneurial urbanism, austerity and economic governance," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 11(3), pages 565-585.

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