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Overview
The project sets out to investigate the consequences of EU enlargement
upon the growing integration of economic activity in a European-wide
network of production and distribution in labour-intensive industries.
These industries are influenced profoundly by changes in the world trade
and production governance structures, and are expected to be influenced
profoundly by enlargement. The project places particular emphasis upon
changes in the geography of production, and the expansion of production
capabilities to the Eastern and Southeastern frontiers of the EU as
a result of an incessant pursuit of cheap and adaptable labour. Europeanisation
takes place within a broader context of global economic integration,
and a process of industrial restructuring emanating from technological
change. Thus, the research approach adopted for the purposes of this
study aspires to explore the interconnectedness between the moving frontier
of the European Union and wider processes of structural transformation.
The implications of EU enlargement, in the case of labour intensive
industries, go beyond industrial economics issues. These industries
invariably employ large numbers of employees, often from relatively
disadvantaged backgrounds. Moreover, the employment provided is often
concentrated in specific geographical locations. As a result, the social
consequences are often disproportionate to the conventional measures,
such as employment or sales turnover.
The findings of the project are expected to have significant implications
on two aspects of policy-making. Firstly, the results will identify
instances of successful adjustment strategies (best practice) , and
examine their replicability elsewhere in Europe. Secondly the effectiveness
of the existing policy framework will be evaluated. |
A project financed by EU: |
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