Search

Despite the importance of interregional trade for building effective regional economic policies, there are very few hard data to illustrate such interdependencies. We propose here a novel research framework to predict interregional trade flows by utilizing freely available Web data and machine learning algorithms. Specifically, we extract hyperlinks between archived Websites in the United Kingdom and we aggregate these data to create an interregional network of hyperlinks between geolocated and commercial Web pages over time. We also use existing interregional trade data to train our models using random forests and then make out-of-sample predictions of interregional trade flows using a rolling-forecasting framework. Our models illustrate great predictive capability with R2 greater than 0.9. We are also able to disaggregate our predictions in terms of industrial sectors, but also at a subregional level, for which trade data are not available. In total, our models provide a proof of concept that the digital traces left behind by physical trade can help us capture such economic activities at a more granular level and, consequently, inform regional policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a critical exploration of the issues raised by the attempt to integrate aims and concerns derived from one European Union (EU) policy domain into another. It does this via an examination of the ways in which the European Employment Strategy (EES) has been taken into account in the design and initial implementation of Structural Fund program in the 2000–2006 round. In particular, it examines the nature of this ‘mainstreaming’ relationship in terms of the structures and mechanisms associated with current Objective 1 program operating in the UK. It maps out the vertical and horizontal linkages between European, national and regional levels, and assesses the extent to which strategic frameworks, program guidance and program content have successfully integrated EES considerations. The article concludes by identifying some implications for theories of European governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that the scale of unemployment in the UK, and the differences between regions, are severely understated by claimant unemployment data. It explains how unemployment becomes 'hidden', in particular by a major diversion of older and less healthy workers from unemployment-related benefits, and how this process is especially marked in the traditional industrial parts of northern Britain. The true scale of regional differences in joblessness is also underlined by employment rates in different parts of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the UK Regional Selective Assistance scheme, and critically appraises on-going reforms. These reforms have been triggered by the process of redrawing the map of eligible areas within new European Commission competition policy guidelines. A recent UK government White Paper on competitiveness has also led to significant changes being considered. It is argued that while the existing reforms have not fundamentally changed the nature of Regional Selective Assistance, they may well be harbingers of more threatening challenges, particularly after 2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]