Originally published in 1981 but now with a new preface, this volume provided the first detailed comparative analysis of how local authorities in the UK and W. Germany faced up to the challenge of trying to help local industry and improve employment prospects. Based on the results of case-studies the book considers the powers and resources available to local authorities and examines how the authorities are organized for this type of economic activity. The authors' analysis of the interplay of political and administrative factors will be particularly important for student and professionals in comparative public policy and public finance. The study shows how economic policy making in local government is constrained both by the higher levels of government in both countries and by the conditions in the economy operating both locally and nationally.

Looking at the lessons we can learn from international research in urban and regional planning, this book explores the challenges in using cross-country studies. The contributors address how to approach researching planning in other countries, and how to then diffuse the planning information. Key topics include: comparable urban data, and how to use it working with international agencies methodological issues in cross-country research translating theory into practice Case studies include researching new towns in France and Poland, and problems doing empirical work in Eastern Europe.

Originally published in 1981 but now with a new preface, this volume provided the first detailed comparative analysis of how local authorities in the UK and W. Germany faced up to the challenge of trying to help local industry and improve employment prospects. Based on the results of case-studies the book considers the powers and resources available to local authorities and examines how the authorities are organized for this type of economic activity. The authors' analysis of the interplay of political and administrative factors will be particularly important for student and professionals in comparative public policy and public finance. The study shows how economic policy making in local government is constrained both by the higher levels of government in both countries and by the conditions in the economy operating both locally and nationally.

The second edition of Government in the Federal Republic of Germany, first published in 1973, has been substantially rewritten and expanded and the title altered in recognition of an emphasis already present in the first edition, and greatly enhanced after revision. Since the first appearance of this authoritative text many changes in the details of organization and procedure have taken place, as well as extensive changes in personnel and, to some extent, in the problems and policy issues which now face those responsible for government in the Federal Republic. In considering these changes the author presents a view of the political institutions of the Federal Republic which develops logically and naturally from his earlier perspective.

Germany is clearly the dominant economic force in Europe. It occupies the pivotal position of being at the centre of both the EC and of attempts to rebuild the economies of East Central Europe. The German Economy traces the various aspects of German policy and growth, concentrating in particular on the last two decades. These include: the German economy in perspective the regional dimension fiscal policy monetary policy social policy the labour market banking and finance industry, trade and economic policy. In The German Economy Eric Owen Smith has produced the only comprehensive account of the contemporary German economy currently available in English.

This text provides a comprehensive introduction to local government and urban politics in contemporary Western Europe. It is the first book to map and explain the significant processes of change characterizing local government systems and to place these in a genuinely comparative context. Students are introduced to the traditional structures and institutions of local government and shown how these have been transforming in response to increased economic and political competition, new ideas, institutional reform and the Europeanization of public policies in Europe. At the books core is the perceived transition from local government to local governance. This key development is traced thematically across a w

The world economy has undergone rapid evolution in recent decades, along with changes in the importance of industries and their organization, and sharp changes in the fortunes of regions. There are differences of opinion regarding the mainsprings of change and development and the role of goverments in fostering national output. In order to show the relvance of these changes to regional economies, the book focuses on the different schools of economic thought – from the neo-classical, through Keynesian to Marxist/radical ideas and monetarist/supply-side thinking – providing a brief description of their structure in non-spatial terms. The way these theories map into contrasting ideas regarding the mechanisms of regional economic growth is then explained. The book concentrates on developed economies and explicitly seeks to confront theory with fact, fact with theory. Bringing together non-spatial economic thery, regional growth theory and relevant empirical data, this book is intended for students in geography and regional economics but will also be of interest for those studying politics and government.