Objective
The proposed 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, price competitive industries. In doing so, it 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 will 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.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
FP6-2002-CITIZENS-2
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Funding Scheme
STREP - Specific Targeted Research ProjectCoordinator
THESSALONIKI
Greece