The state of regional research in UK

The Association of Regional Observatories exists to promote the best data and intelligence for England's regions. Referendums on devolution are planned for three northern regions, more institutions have regional tiers and it is increasingly seen that national policy needs to be sensitive to regional differences.

In economics, 'new economic geography' has rediscovered the importance of place and proximity in business activity. Regional Observatories, or Regional Intelligence Units, work to provide the best data and intelligence to support policies and strategies in the English regions.

The State of Regional Research is a collection of extracts from larger articles and research reports from several authors, published by the Association of Regional Observatories.

To read the entire document  http://www.regionalobservatories.org.uk/sorr_entire.pdf