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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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