Rj. Bennett et G. Krebs, LOCAL ECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS - AN ANALYSIS OF POLICY NETWORKS IN EC-LEDA LOCAL-EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES, Regional studies, 28(2), 1994, pp. 119-140
This paper assesses the agents and networks involved in local employme
nt development in thirty-three localities from the twelve European Com
munity (EC) countries. The sample is that used in the EC Local Employm
ent Development Action (LEDA) programme. The analysis concentrates on
which activities are pursued by which agents, and how the agents work
together in partnerships. It demonstrates the importance of government
leadership at all levels, and the significance of co-finance and coll
aboration with other agents, particularly the private sector and Chamb
ers of Commerce. There is a major contrast between less and more devel
oped regions. In Southern Europe central government and agency leaders
hip is generally the most crucial structure of networks. In declining
industrial areas in Northern Europe more complex networks usually appl
y with key roles for local government, central government, non-governm
ent agents and development agencies.