Urban entrepreneurialism, global networks and export support: Are UK cities looking east?

Abstract

Since the 1970s urban localities in advanced capitalist nations have taken a more central role in their economic development. This urban ‘entrepreneurialism’ has taken place within the context of an increasingly place-competitive international economy, and has been the subject of substantial academic study. However, there has been a lack of consideration for the role of export promotion in this process. This article suggests that export promotion is an increasingly significant but often overlooked component of entrepreneurial strategies, and draws upon a study of export promotion activities in the UK's regions in relation to the emerging Chinese economy.