ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the relationship between de-industrialization and the internationalization of production. It considers the extent to which new technologies can stimulate growth in a national and regional context and seeks to examine the development challenges posed by such strategies. The book suggests that the macro-generalizations must have a sound basis in a micro-economic behaviour of individual enterprises. It also examines in detail the impact of a new production process – computer-controlled weighing and packing – by corporations which dominate their market segment – cereals and savoury snacks – in the United Kingdom food industry. The book outlines a research agenda on the economics of the small firm which should yield a more cost-effective and efficacious basis for allocating public resources to small firms.
