Restructuring of the European Production System

Abstract

In this paper we argue that the primary forces behind change in the European urban and regional system are those in the social organization of pro duction of goods and services. After reviewing on going transformations in the production system, we reflect on the legacy of Europe's earlier spatially frag mented order. Then we consider the significance of a changing regulatory environment and the strategies of large corporations for the geography of produc tion. Finally, we explore the likely economic and pol itical consequences of emergent patterns of European regional imbalance.