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.