Conjuncture or disjuncture? An institutionalist analysis of local regeneration partnerships in the UK

Abstract

Following Lowndes ' (2001) injunction for scholars to take the new institutionalism seriously, this paper offers an institutionalist explanation for the development of regeneration partnerships in the UK. Drawing on four complete case studies and evidence from ongoing research into New Deal for Communities (NDC), it argues that UK-style partnerships tend to embody conflicting values and hierarchical patterns of organization. This is therefore a path shaping period, since partnerships have not established themselves as co-ordinating mechanisms built on strong-weak ties.2

Evaluating Local Strategic Partnerships: Theory and practice of change

“…The evaluation included a number of qualitative and quantitative elements, principally nine longitudinal case studies; eight action learning sets; two surveys of all LSPs, undertaken in 2002 and2004; and a number of specific topic studies 2 . The scale and complexity of the evaluation was one of the major factors prompting the early adoption of a theory of change methodology, as a means of providing a common framework for the multiple components and outputs.…”

“…Some LSPs have made progress along the path of virtue which has then faltered, while others have made recent progress after a slow start. It may be possible for LSPs to "break in" to the virtuous circle or "break out" of the vicious circle at various points, although theories of path dependency suggest that this may be difficult (Pierson, 2000;Davies, 2004). Thus, for example, strong local leadership can build a supportive local context for the LSP in areas where this does not already exist, while failure to institute efficient working practices can undermine initial partner commitment.…”

Double-Devolution or Double-Dealing? The Local Government White Paper and the Lyons Review

“…One explanation hinted at in the above discussion is path dependency (Lowndes, 2001;Davies, 2004). Lyons (2007: i) Another structural explanation lies in the complex relationship between market economies and states.…”

Intermediary activities and agendas of regional cleantech networks in Sweden

“…Thus, intermediary governance in such environments is not only complex but can also be somewhat disappointing when expectations in general cannot be met because of competing agendas amongst the network members (cf. Davies, 2004).…”