Regional development agencies and the 'New Regionalism' in England

Within the field of human geography, the 'New Regionalism' has become a key focus of contemporary debates. This article examines the establishment of Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in England in the context of these debates. The article begins by surveying recent literature in order to ascertain what the New Regionalism itself actually is. The way in which the key normative concerns of the New Regionalism have become inscribed within the RDA programme are then discussed. Drawing on recent analyses of the contemporary restructuring of the state, the article then proceeds to consider the extent to which the establishment of RDAs in England can be seen as expressive of the New Regionalism conceived as a process. Finally, a number of important issues concerning the social and political foundations of the New Regionalism are flagged for further debate.