The RESER survey of 1998--2003 literature on services and regional development: A synthesis based on national reports

The article attempts to synthesise surveys of recent research on services and regional development, conducted in six European countries/language areas. It distinguishes (1) research on service activities selling to markets outside their own region; and (2) research on service activities which are necessary conditions for other local firms which sell their products outside their own region. These two categories are inherently relevant for regional development and represent a thorough modification of the traditional economic base model. But even a third category, service activities with purely local markets, influence regional development differentially, since the structural changes taking place in them favour some regions more than others. In a concluding discussion, a number of themes are identified which should be given high priority in future research.