The emergence of ‘new’ spatial coalitions in the pursuit of functional regions of governance

Pugalis, Lee and Townsend, Alan (2014) The emergence of ‘new’ spatial coalitions in the pursuit of functional regions of governance. Regional Science Policy & Practice, 6 (1). pp. 49-67. ISSN 1757-7802

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Abstract

In contrast with prevailing international trends and the European Union orthodoxy, the English regional map, a prominent feature of strategic development policy during 2000–2010, has since been expunged. This paper examines ‘functional’ spatial coalitions and their choice as the intended surrogates for formal regions. Informed by a mixed-method research methodology, the paper challenges the claim that this mosaic of voluntaristic public-private coalitions represents plausible realizations of functional regions. Indeed, the research reveals a noteworthy correlation with geographical antecedents, emphasizing the importance of the legacy of past sub-national forms of governance maintained by some enduring spatial coalitions. Flowing from this analysis, the implications for policy are discussed.

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