Any serious discussion of industrial policy must begin with the recognition that economic activity is fundamentally spatial. Places are not simply interchangeable economic units but unique political and social locations. Questions of local political economy, identity and culture shapes both what interventions are politically feasible and how they are implemented in practice. Sub-national state capacity, including administrative capability, technical expertise, and freedom from corruption, varies considerably and mediates policy effectiveness.

The institutional thickness of a region, including universities, business associations, and civic organisations, can be as important as physical infrastructure in determining development potential. Therefore, industrial policy is not a technocratic exercise; it is a strategic tool for safeguarding democracy and resilience in an era where politics overdetermines economics and security overdetermines prosperity. 

In this seminar, we are going to discuss the politics of place-based industrial policy: 

• How political processes determine the shape of industrial policy 
• How social democrats can better develop, implement and manage the politics of industrial policy in critical sectors and regions

The seminar will start with a presentation of the policy study coordinated by FEPS and Progress. The study draws on four case studies – Pori (Finland), Silicon Saxony (Germany), Port Talbot (UK) and Cornwall (UK) – to distil lessons for European and national policymakers. The second part of the event will be devoted to a discussion of local experiences and learnings from industrial policy design and implementation.

For more information about this conference, please do not hesitate to contact Luis Sáez Jiménez, FEPS Project Officer (luis.saez@feps-europe.eu)