Changing Regional Imbalances

Economic development is usually spatially unbalanced.  This project will examine the diverse trajectories and variable performance of cities across Western and Eastern Europe, and draw out the implications for urban and regional development policy.

Our specific objectives are:

• To review the literature and previous research on the role of European cities in regional economic development
• To assemble an original dataset on city performance across Europe covering demographic and economic variables
• To describe the changing fortunes of European cities over the last 3-4 decades
• To try and explain the differences in city growth rates over time and in different regions and nations
• To engage with policy-makers on issues surrounding urban policy and the role of cities in economic development
  

 Project Co-ordinator:  Professor Ivan Turok

Project Team:  Dr Vlad Mykhnenko and Professor Peter McGregor