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Producer services and regional development: A policy-oriented prespective

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Papers of the Regional Science Association

Abstract

There is a certain optimism among policy makers concering the ability of producer services, viewed as locationally flexible, to stimulate economic growth in lagging regions. Four issues related to the location of producer services are used to critically examine this notion: (1) observed centralization and decentralization trends, (2) the influence of corporate ownership and control, (3) intrafirm functional separation, and (4) the impact of telecommunications technology. Producer service growth has not benefited central and peripheral regions equally. The empirical and conceptual evidence presented suggests that these activities have little positive impact upon lagging regions. Some essential elements of a regional strategy involving producer services are proposed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Départment d'études urbaines, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succ. A, C. P. 8888, H3C 3P8, Montréal, Québec

    William J. Coffey

  2. INRS-Urbanisation, Univesité du Québec, 3465, rue Durocher, H2X 2C6, Montréal, Québec

    Mario Polèse

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  1. William J. Coffey
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  2. Mario Polèse
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Coffey, W.J., Polèse, M. Producer services and regional development: A policy-oriented prespective. Papers of the Regional Science Association 67, 13–27 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01934664

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