The ongoing process of European integration is likely to increase trade and factor mobility thereby increasing interregional competition and affecting the interregional division of labor. From a theoretical standpoint, rising specialization and polarization of European regions may result from...

This book's thirteen contributions bring together the results of recent research on determinants of regional specialization, growth, and convergence in the context of European integration. They offer fresh theoretical and empirical evidence on patterns of regional production structures,...

Since the Lisbon Process, the EU has changed its function from a mere economic common market into a social union. The EU addressed its future policy also to sustainability with increasing employment and better jobs, and greater social cohesion. That implies the acknowledgment of social inclusion...

Intro -- Contents -- Cover -- Title -- Foreword -- CONTRIBUTORS xv -- 1. Overview 1 -- 2. Public Policies and Economic Geography 19 -- 3. Regional Policies and EU Enlargement 33 -- 4. Discussion of "Regional Policies and EU Enlargement" by Boldrin and Canova, and "Public Policies and Economic...