Regional development, technological paradigms, and policies: A framework for conceptualizing socioeconomic processes

The responses of economic theorists and regional policy makers to the impact of technological change on socioeconomic structures have been diverse and problematic going back many years. This dissertation focuses on the role of technology and economic theory in government regional policy as well as the roles of those theorists and policy makers who have influenced the regional economic development policy making process. The field study concentrates on two regions that have had their share of structural problems and policy responses over a long period of time--the Northeast of England and the Strathclyde region in Scotland from 1930 to 1990.; A conceptual framework was developed to organize and explore linkages between economic theory and regional policy. The elements making up the framework include "technological paradigms", "economic theories", "forces influencing change", and "policy decisions". The policy making process for these regions was researched to see how the role of technology, in the process of regional economic change has been articulated.; The analysis looked for evidence of implicit or explicit references to "technological change" or "technological possibilities" in policy discussions. Associations between general schools of geography and economic thought, and paradigmatic elements were made. In addition, those geographers and economists considered to be influential in the policy process were identified. Associations were also made between government policies created during this period and paradigmatic elements from the regional structures. It was found that technological advance, and investment in education, new products, processes, industries, and undertakings were explicit. What was lacking, however, was the idea of a "technological paradigm" which could make the role of technology in regional development more explicit and meaningful.; One of the important aspects of this study has been the development of a framework that focuses on conceptualizing the process of structural change as it relates to technological change. The dissertation also shows how structural change can be impacted by regional policy decisions; and how policy decisions may, or may not, come from accurate interpretations of economic theories. In addition, this study contributes to a better understanding of how regional economic development theorists may assist policy makers by providing a better understanding of the forces and processes dynamizing the regions and by providing a better conceptualization of the role of technological change in regional economic growth and economic development.