Major events, networks and regional development

Jones, C. (2005) Major events, networks and regional development, Regional Studies 39 , 185-195. There is currently a wave of interest in how social, political and economic institutions embedded within a region can encourage an improved economic performance, with their actions and interactions thought to be a key facet of competitiveness. These analytical developments have coincided with the appreciation by regional agencies that the hosting of high-profile events can bring significant economic benefits through levering additional regional demand and exposure. However, only when the evaluation of major events is undertaken within a paradigm that emphasizes the importance of complex interactions can an estimate of genuine economic contribution be made. The contribution of two major, or 'hallmark', events towards the development of sustainable regional partnerships and relationships is assessed, and the results were found to be mixed.