Consensus Strategies and their Ambiguous Politics

Abstract

A number of widely used strategies have been pursued by local economic agencies of different political complexions; these are examined in this chapter. The crucial choices in local economic policy are often seen as choices between these favourite strategies, and they structure debate on policy. Each strategy focuses on what is seen as a crucial weak link of the local economy. We shall examine in turn:

• Targeting types of firm Three popular strategies focus on particular types of enterprise: conventional small firms; unconventional forms of ownership such as cooperatives and community business; and, in contrast, inward investment.

• Targeting types of input Many strategies concentrate on a particular type of input to production in the locality: labour, finance, technology, or property.

• Targeting sectors Some agencies attempt to breathe new life into long-established local sectors; others attempt to import new, especially growth sectors.

• Targeting areas A favourite strategy is to concentrate resources on to a neighbourhood or smaller area of the locality, typically one of physical dereliction.