Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a readable, readily comprehensible survey of the literature and discussion in the fields of regional economics, regional development, regional policy and planning. It explores the foundations for improved economic and social policy, formulated and implemented at the regional or community level. The book demonstrates that the social sciences, and particularly economics, can be more effective instruments for discovery of truth and acquisition of new knowledge, and thus for solution of economic and social problems. If major emphasis is laid on analysis at the regional and community level, rather than putting the emphasis exclusively on analysis at the national level and at the level of the industry, enterprise, household and local government. An important conclusion is that there is a very close relationship between forms of government and political culture.