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The paper applies synthetic instruments, initially developed for cross-sectional regression, to estimate dynamic spatial panel data models. These have two main advantages. First, instruments correlated with endogenous variables and yet independent of the errors are difficult to find. Not only are synthetic instruments normally exogenous, but they are usually strongly correlated with endogenous variables, and thus help to avoid the problem of weak instruments. Secondly, they help to reduce instrumental variables proliferation, which is a common result of standard methods of avoiding endogeneity bias. As demonstrated by Monte Carlo simulation, instrument proliferation causes bias in the Sargan–Hansen J test statistic, which is an important indicator of instrument validity and hence estimation consistency. It is also associated with a downward bias in parameter standard error estimates. The paper shows the results of applying synthetic instruments across a variety of different specifications and data generating processes, and it illustrates the method with real data leading to more reliable inference of causal impacts on the level of employment across London districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing on Granovetter’s classic work on embeddedness in systems of social relations, this paper proposes the concept of ‘differentiated embedding’ to explore how migrants negotiate attachment and belonging as dynamic temporal, spatial and relational processes. When Poland joined the EU in May 2004, the large flow of migrants to the UK was perceived by many migration researchers as heralding a new form of transient mobility associated with short-term, temporary and circular migration, and high levels of transnationalism. Relatively little attention was paid to how these migrants were integrating in local contexts. Based on 20 in-depth interviews and network mapping with Polish migrants, resident in London for a decade, I examine why participants extended their stay and how their decisions were shaped by interpersonal relationships locally and transnationally. London as a ‘superdiverse’, global city offers place-specific opportunities for building networks and developing processes of embedding. Nonetheless, a focus on networks risks overlooking the wider structural context in which migrants live and work. Thus, I argue, there is a need for a differentiated concept to capture the nuanced interplay of structural, relational, spatial and temporal embedding. This concept not only captures multi-scalarity and multi-sectorality but also levels of belonging and attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Traditionally the suburbs have been viewed as secondary products of urbanization, as the necessary consequence of growth emanating from the centre, which has required housing on the outskirts and commuting back in for employment and high-end consumption. But it is increasingly necessary to rethink this approach and to consider the implications of positioning the suburbs themselves as more central to processes of urban development and to defining the lived urban experience. Here, some of those implications are explored with the help of evidence drawn from research conducted on the edge of the London city region, or what has been called the Greater South East. The paper highlights some of the uncertainties and ambiguities associated with the new suburbia, as well as charting the way in which it has been incorporated into the wider politics of growth, as a subject of urban policy. It concludes by emphasizing the need to acknowledge the importance of the suburbs as a central, rather than peripheral or secondary, aspect of contemporary urbanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on research with Vietnamese businesses in London which seeks to challenge some of the traditional views of transnational entrepreneurship. These have focused primarily on entrepreneurs embedded in both home and host countries and the need for regular travel between the two to manage the business. In contrast, this study suggests that transnational entrepreneurship today is more fluid than previous studies have suggested and is often characterised by multi-polar (rather than bipolar) links. Travel is also less relevant in the current age of ‘super-connectivity’. The research explores how Vietnamese entrepreneurs in London draw on various forms of transnational capital to further the development of their business, and develops a framework to measure the degree and extent of the transnational embeddedness and dependency of the business. The results suggest that transnational entrepreneurship amongst ethnic minority entrepreneurs today is better viewed as a continuum rather than a set of discrete business types. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The attainment in national examinations and progress of pupils to the age of 16 in London is the highest in England. Nevertheless, there is still a significant number of 16- to 19-year-olds who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). Those who are the most vulnerable to becoming NEET are the young people who have disengaged from mainstream education. This article draws on a comprehensive examination of the effectiveness of an alternative education provision (AEP) for pupils who were disengaged from mainstream schools in one London local authority. Through the application of Bronfenbrenner's ecosystems theory, the study explored the impact of different ecosystems on young people's disengagement. The findings in evaluation studies of other AEPs and the findings in this study indicate that AEPs - and the curriculum, pedagogy, and pastoral care that they offer - can, and do, make a considerable difference to the educational outcomes of disadvantaged children, as well as offering insights for mainstream education. Thus, the study contributes to the current debate on the organization and structure of the 14-19 education system in England under raising the participation age (RPA) to 18, the new legislation that came into force this academic year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the UK Coalition government's cuts has catastrophically impacted advisory and support services to refugee young people. Many bespoke refugee services have ceased with the alternative being conventional information sources that lack specialist knowledge of the unique situation of refugees. Taking an autonomy approach, this qualitative research study discusses the benefits of the now obsolete refugee advisory service, the Refugee Integration and Employment Service, with current sources of welfare-to-work programmes. In conclusion, it argues that without targeted sources of information, advice and support refugee young people will struggle to make informed strategic decisions about their future careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]