Diffusion of technologies by local authorities: the case of Manchester City Council, UK.

This paper outlines an evaluation of the policies of technology strategies and local economic development in a new paradigm. It explores a paradigm shift in technology strategies which took place in local government during the 1980s and early 1990s and develops a new ‘model’. Set within the practical perspective to role changes, Manchester City Council's experience is used to examine how this paradigm shift has occurred in practice, reflecting developing ‘enabling’ and ‘partnership’ roles in local government. The ways in which private sector best practice technology strategies can be adapted to a local economic scenario are identified, alongside barriers to their effective implementation. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]