Introduction

Differences in the extent of unemployment between regions are regarded as a problem in most Western European countries. The regional policies which have resulted aim to bring the number of workers in a region more into line with the number of jobs available there. In most countries, this has involved a strategy of taking ‘work to the workers’. By applying particular policy measures, governments have attempted to create additional employment in those regions where the shortage of jobs is greatest. The object has generally been to make such regions more attractive as a location for ‘new’ firms and employment. Until recently this meant persuading existing companies to relocate their activities in a problem assisted area, or more commonly to establish a branch plant there. Initially preoccupied with manufacturing activities, regional policy has since the 1960s been extended to embrace certain service industries, so far with only limited success.