Research and technological development in the 'less-favoured' regions of the European Community: a UK dimension

The regional problem in the United Kingdom appears to be one of the most persistent in the whole of the European Community. Within the UK, and elsewhere in Europe, there has been a growing recognition that the level of research and technological innovation in a local area or region is a major long-term influence on its economic growth and development. This chapter investigates the association between research and technological development (RTD) and economic growth at the local and regional level, specifically looking at the UK situation. It outlines the national and European context for RTD, reviewes particular policy shifts and constraints, and concludes with some major issues that need to be addressed when developing RTD initiatives at a local or regional level. Developments in process or capital technology do not have such long-term significance in terms of output and employment as advances in product innovation and sophistication.