Studies in the Structure and Growth of the Regions in the United Kingdom

The thesis attempts to develop and test a number of hypotheses relating to the structure and growth of manufacturing industry in the regions o f the U.K., over the period 1958-1968.

After a brief discussion of the extent and measurement of specialisation , an attempt is made to test for relationships between specialisation patterns, and alternative measures of comparative and absolute advantage. Patterns of structural change in relation to comparative unit labour costs are also studied.

The neo-classical model o f economic growth is used to examine the determinants of regional productivity growth. A C.E.S. production function is applied to assess the variability in techniques between regions, and to estimate the degree of returns to scale. These estimates are then used in a 'cross-sectional' context to examine inter-regional differences in the 'efficiency parameter’ of the C.E.S. function.

The determinants o f inter-regional differences in the rate of employment growth are discussed. Beginning with a 'shift-share' analysis of employment growth, basic relationships between the growth rates of output, employment and capital accumulation are then examined. The growth experience of regions is further explored with the aid of the Harrod-Domar model of economic growth.

Finally, some of the major findings of the thesis are highlighted with the aid of Kaldor's model of regional economic growth.