A regulationist approach to regional studies

In this paper regulation theory is reexamined in order to further its metho dological programme in the area of regional studies. The complex and many-s ided determinants of regional development are brought together in a regulat ionist conceptual framework which emphasizes the socioeconomic patterns of interaction, interfirm linkages and industrial labour relations, supportive institutions, and politics in a region. This conceptual framework for regi onal studies gives key importance to the regions' institutional resources a nd the differentiation of regional systems of regulation. From the point of view of a regulationist approach, the quality of a region's system of regu lation and the degree of coherence achieved in its development configuratio n can be seen as a foundation for the region's development potential.