Sources of structural change in peripheral rural areas: The case of the Western Isles, 1988/89 to 1997

Roberts, Deborah; Thomson, Kenneth J.

Abstract

The paper considers the sources of structural change in peripheral rural areas, arguing that a greater understanding of sources of change would aid rural development policy makers. Adopting a demand-side perspective, changes in real output are decomposed to distinguish between those brought about by changes in technology, changes in local sourcing patterns and changes in final demand. Empirical analysis focuses on the economy of the Western Isles in Scotland. Results highlight the importance of export demand but also a wide variability between sectors in the direction and magnitude of the different drivers of change. A number of policy implications are drawn in the light of the findings.

Citation

Roberts, D., & Thomson, K. J. (2003). Sources of structural change in peripheral rural areas: The case of the Western Isles, 1988/89 to 1997. Regional Studies, 37(1), 61-70. https://doi.org/10.1080/0034340022000033402

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2003
• Journal: Regional Studies
• Print ISSN: 0034-3404
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 61-70
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0034340022000033402
• Keywords: structural change, rural areas, Western Isles
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1074501
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0034340022000033402