Reframing economic development: learning from and with emerging urban and regional alternative economic plans and coalitions in the UK
Topics:
Keywords: Urban economies, alternative economies, diverse economies, economic development, engaged research
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Authors:
Myfanwy Taylor, University College London
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
Abstract
This paper explores how locally-rooted economic and social histories shape emerging alternative economic networks, collaborations and plans in specific places. It draws on early stage research and initial activities with existing and emerging groups and coalitions across various divides in the UK’s economic geography: North/South, London and the rest, industrial/postindustrial, and metropolitan/rural. This research and engagement aims to scope the potential for alliance-building amongst wide-ranging economic and social actors, including trade unions, grassroots and campaign groups, social/community economy organisations and small business alliances, and identify possible areas of collective action and cooperation to inform further work. This paper will reflect on emerging findings from these activities and draw together some of the key ideas and debates underpinning and inspiring them. Acknowledging the usefulness of concepts such as ‘variegation’ in making space for diversity in understanding neoliberal and capitalist urban and regional economic development, the paper draws on diverse and community economies research (as well as broader feminist, engaged and collaborative research approaches and ethics) in order to articulate propositions for how urban and regional research can explore, advance and mobilise existing and emerging economic alternatives.
Reframing economic development: learning from and with emerging urban and regional alternative economic plans and coalitions in the UK
Category
Virtual Paper Abstract