Policy Review Section

Abstract

In this issue of the Policy Review Section Roland Waniek of the University of Bochum presents a critical account of the attempt by North-Rhine Westphalia to partially devolve its economic developmemt policies through a planning mechanism known as ZIN. In the second article Stephen Page and Thea Sinclair of the University of Kent examine the impact of the Channel Tunnel on tourism in Kent and the manner in which the “Euroregion” designated by the European Commission linking Kent with Nord-Pas de Calais, Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels can facilitate tourism development through an EC-funded Transfrontier Development Programme. In the third article Seamus Grimes of the Department of Geography, University College Galway, examines the issue of fostering indigenous entrepreneurship in Ireland. Ireland's recent development has been closely linked with attracting multinational branch plants, but there is growing concern about the poor level of linkages with the local economy. Grimes suggests that one way forward might be to foster the development of networks of collaboration between SMEs based upon the Scandinavian experience utilizing advanced telecommunications and information technology. In the final article James McEldowney and Maura Sheehan, of the Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre, consider the impact of the shift in emphasis of industrial policy in the Province away from grants towards a consultancy and training focus, with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of existing local firms.