THE ROLE OF DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES IN REGIONAL POLICY - AN ACADEMIC ANDPRACTITIONER APPROACH

The increasing importance of Regional Development Agencies creates a n eed for consideration of how the role and effectiveness of these organ isations can be researched in the UK, In their relationship with centr al government, the informal channels are frequently the most important means of control. Following an acceptable definition, several aspects of their operation are examined, including their scope for independen t action, strategy and local contact within their regions, However, th e changing strategic priorities must be examined in relation to how th ey work as organisations, This is a challenge to the disciplines engag ed in regional analysis.