Suchergebnisse

"Development Policy and European Union Politics" published on by Oxford University Press.

"Research and Development in European Union Politics" published on by Oxford University Press.

"Finally the author applies an economic development perspective to cross-border cooperation and looks for methods to evaluate its outcomes, while also stressing its symbolic role. The authors believe that this volume will not only contribute to the field of border studies, but also - by the multidisciplinary character of the contributions - inspire researchers from various academic specializations and attract them to the study of borders and borderlands." (Abstract)

Examines the ideas & policy prescriptions associated with the proliferation of small- & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union (EU) in the context of the pervasive changes taking place in international industrial development. A model of flexible specialization is presented to explain why craft principles associated with SMEs can provide a dynamic & efficient alternative mode of organization to the traditional Fordist mass production model. This model is based on three ideas: (1) clusters of SMEs can produce goods in a highly differentiated market; (2) SMEs can take advantage of flexible technologies of production; & (3) SMEs can implement microregulation designed to enhance cooperation & balance competition. Arguments in favor of SMEs & their critics are briefly reviewed. It is suggested that the development of SMEs in the EU is contingent on a series of factors, including overall socioeconomic conditions, & EU policy measures & tools designed to assist SMEs. Extant policy prescriptions are described as either trying to alter the market conditions for, or the amount of, assistance to SMEs. While it is conceded that SMEs are so heterogeneous that it is unlikely that a single policy package would uniformly help or hinder every SME, two basic requirements seem to be universal: the provision of common services that SMEs cannot supply themselves; & a mechanism for resolving conflicts among local actors. 1 Table, 78 References. D. M. Smith

"European Political Cooperation (EPC)" published on by Oxford University Press.

The European continent, under the urge of the events generated by the process of building Europe that has led to an enlargement of the external European Union borders towards the east, undergoes a process of alteration. No matter on which side of the EU border they may be, the citizens of the European countries are entitled to enjoy the fruit of welfare, security and freedom. The development of a coherent neighbourhood policy in Brussels becomes an imperative resulting from the need for communication and cooperation amongst people and countries.
No matter the view on the European Union external border, the dialogue on all levels of the society through the means of inter-university cooperation is a factor providing the communication needed for good neighbourhood. Thus, the stiff borders fade away. By setting up a university network comprising both partners from within and outside the European Union, a bond is established over the external border of the community. From this point of view, inter-university cooperation at the external borders of the European community turns into a promoter of good neighbourhood values.