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Regional development and agency: Unfinished business

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  • Alistair Rainnie

Abstract

Agency and regional development has attracted growing attention. The origins of much thought in this area lie in evolutionary economic geography, sometimes with a nod in the direction of geographical political economy. In recent literature, there has been a stress on agency in general and local entrepreneurship in particular. Stress is laid on good governance, involving an appropriate mix of stakeholders, and more particularly the involvement of local leaders/entrepreneurs and their communities. However, in this article, I want to argue that, firstly, a focus on local entrepreneurship is too limiting; and secondly, following on from the first point, the concept of agency at a local level is at best undercooked.

Suggested Citation

  • Alistair Rainnie, 2021. "Regional development and agency: Unfinished business," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 36(1), pages 42-55, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:loceco:v:36:y:2021:i:1:p:42-55
    DOI: 10.1177/02690942211023877
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    References listed on IDEAS

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