Publisher's Synopsis
This book explores the processes which have led to an increase in local economic initiatives and policies supporting local-level development over the last decade. Through a critical analysis of past conceptualizations of local development, a theoretical approach is elaborated which interrelates local agency, locality and restructuring issues. This approach is developed with reference to the Southern European context and specifically through consideration of the case of Portugal. Analysis of the growth of local economic activity in Portugal and in-depth examination of two distinctive localities, permits the identification of both potentialities and constraints for local economic policy. The book concludes by arguing for a wider conception of local development; one which is not narrowly focused on economic factors.
