صنعتی سازی روستایی در منطقه ناحیه ذغالخیز رو به زوال: در مورد شمال وارویکشر

In recent years considerable research has been conducted on the phenomenon of rural industrialisation. Within this area of study the growth and performance of small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) have received particular attention. Competing schools of thought have sought to explain both the development and the competitive strategies of such enterprises in terms of the geographical context, industrial milieu and the labour market which companies experience. Nevertheless, this paper contends that some important questions remain unanswered. For instance, little parity exists between the types of rural area examined in recent theoretical contributions, whilst the highly generalised explanations which have been advanced are unable to accommodate either the complex causes of growth or the varied production strategies adopted by small rural manufacturing establishments. On the basis of empirical research in north Warwickshire, this paper suggests that a greater insight into the location and operational strategies of manufacturing companies may be obtained by considering individual establishments within the context of their particular supply chain niche. The study area, an old industrial (accessible) rural area, formerly associated with coal mining, also represents an important departure, contrasting with the new spaces of production which have been the focus of much recent research. Clearly a movement away from extended generalisation has an important implication for the way in which future research on rural manufacturing SMEs is conducted; and for the implementation of rural industrial policy, which needs to address the unique challenges faced by individual enterprises rather than ‘manufacturers’ in general.