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CALL FOR PAPERS

NEW REGIONAL STRATEGIES: DEVOLUTION, RDA’S AND 
REGIONAL CHAMBERS

Regional Studies Association ANNUAL CONFERENCE, 
FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER 1999

London Voluntary Sector Resource Centre, Holloway Road, London

The devolution agenda has gathered unprecedented pace following the 
election of the New Labour administration in 1997. A Scottish Parliament 
and Welsh Assembly have been established following referenda. In the 
English regions, Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) have been set 
up and, in some areas also, Regional Chambers. Such developments have 
profound implications for regions and regionalism. Questions regarding 
new strategies, roles and responsibilities as well as governance and 
accountability issues are at the heart of debate over the evolving 
institutional order. Indeed, some academic commentators have coined 
the term 'New Regionalism' to describe the current period. 

For policy makers, the pace of development has led to uncertainty. For 
both academics and practitioners, there is much to understand and 
debate in recent developments. This conference seeks to provide a forum 
for such discussion, to promote debate and understanding of the issues 
as well as reflecting upon the practice and prospects of the emergent 
'New Regionalism' in the context of a more decentralised socio-economic 
framework.

The 1999 annual conference is envisaged as having a number of keynote 
speakers in the morning including John Bridge (NEDA); John Mawson 
(Aston Business School); John Tomaney (CURDS) and Carol Garfield 
(NCVO), followed by parallel workshop sessions addressing major 
issues. The conference concludes with a final plenary session. Proposals 
for papers in all categories are welcome.

Papers are invited under the following themes:

1. 'New regionalism' and inter-organisational relations in the emergent 
regional governance structure.
accountabilityand transparency
roleof government offices
involvementof voluntary sector and communities
roleand relations with TECs

2. How far have regional economic strategies tackled the integrated 
spatial planning and “intelligent” regions agenda?

3. Regional Development Agencies and Regional Chambers
haveChambers succeeded in getting local 
    communities involved in the regional agenda?
how much influence have Chambers had on regional 
    economic strategies?
whatfunctions have Chambers developed outside 
    their relationships with RDAs?

4. Structures for Devolution

Please send offers of papers in the form of 200 word abstracts to
Sally Hardy at the Regional Studies Association by Friday 11th June 1999.
Submissions should include telephone, fax and e-mail details.

Proposals will be considered by the Conference Programme Committee 
against the criteria of originality and interest, subject balance and 
geographical spread.

Regional Studies Association, 15 Micawber Street, London N1 7TB
Tel: +44 (0)171 490 1128. Fax: +44 (0)171 253 0095.
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
http://www.regional-studies-assoc.ac.uk



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