Policy Review Section

In this Policy Review Section, Gerry Stoker of the Institute of Local Government Studies presents a critical review of the role of Urban Development Corporations (UDCs). In comparing the experience of the UDCs, consideration is given to the varying nature of the land and property market in each UDC area, to the relationship with local authorities and other local bodies and the regeneration strategies pursued by the UDCs. This is followed by an assessment of the impact of the UDCs in economic, social and political terms. In the second article, John Britton of the University of Toronto examines the theoretical case for interventionist public policies to assist the innovation process in small and medium sized enterprises. These arguments are supported by a review of the experience of various national support programmes introduced in the UK, in particular the Manufacturing Advisory Service introduced in 1978 and the Design Advisory Service launched in 1982