In the future, will European regions be overwhelmed by global forces, or will a new localism lead to a Europe of the regions? This book argues that neither will occur, but that regional economic prosperity will depend upon the degree to which regions are able to mobilize flexible institutional strategies, and to harness the forces of globalization to their own ends.

This book argues that neither account is correct and suggests another scenario. The authors offer detailed accounts of the local economies of Baden Wurttemberg, Emilia-Romagna, Switzerland, and Eastern Germany amongst others to support their view.

This book firmly establishes its position within the new institutionalist cam,.but at the same time it represents an attempt to forge a unique geographical dimension to the debate ... this book is a model of presentation and editing ... Amin and Thrift present a carefully honed introductory chapter that both contextualizes and attempts to bring together all of the contributors under a coherent intellectual umbrella. Individual chapters demonstrate both a depth and range that is illuminating, each chapter has a similar structure with a clear introduction and conclusion, the whole collection is then tied up with a closing chapter by the editors.