New technology and regional development in austerity Britain: the case of the semiconductor industry

Abstract

Cooke P., Morgan K. and Jackson D. (1984) New technology and regional development in austerity Britain: the case of the semiconductor industry, Reg. Studies 18, 277–289. Britain's poor economic performance is partly a reflection of low levels of investment in new technology and a consequent failure to innovate in many sectors. Recent government policies have sought to shift industrial expenditure priorities towards stimulating innovation. Regional aid is one heading under which such recomposition is being effected. It has been used, in parallel with specific sectoral aids, to establish an indigenous semiconductor production presence in Britain. However, there is evidence that foreign firms have taken advantage of such aid to establish production rather than innovation facilities.