This title was first published in 2000. Providing an introduction to contemporary regional economic development issues, this book analyzes whether the Regional Development Agencies (ROAs) have the organizational capacities to cope with complex business and economic development challenges. '...a useful contribution to a growing area of development...' Aslib Book Guide 'For those wanting to find more about New Labour's regional development agenda, the book by Bentley and Gibney is a good read.' Australasian Journal of Regional Studies 'The essays presented here are all of high quality...this book offers a useful starting point for understanding the new and complex arrangements for governance in the English regions...' Regional and Federal Studies 'Regional Development Agencies and Business Change is an excellently crafted volume that brings together the contributions of a dozen major figures in regional studies...highly readable set of essays that will appeal to students and practitioners in government, policy-making and planning and geography.' Local Government Studies 'The book is worth reading for those with an interest in the issues surrounding the RDA's and those interested in the economy of the West Midlands.' Urban Studies