What the study found
The paper argues that traditional growth models are not sufficient for achieving balanced and equitable development across regions in post-Brexit Britain. It points to alternative approaches such as community wealth building, social democracy, and cooperative models as more inclusive frameworks.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that rethinking growth is important because regional inequality and social and economic disparities have been intensified in the post-Brexit context. They suggest that long-term sustainability, community participation, and social well-being should be prioritized in local development.
What the researchers tested
The paper critically analyzes policy initiatives including Growth Deals, the Levelling Up agenda, and Building Sustainable Prosperity. It also uses growth coalition and regime theory to examine alliances among business leaders, politicians, and other stakeholders, and it draws on examples from Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and Spain.
What worked and what didn't
The paper says market-driven development has contributed to worsening inequalities. In contrast, it presents community wealth building, social democracy, and cooperative models as approaches that emphasize social equity, local empowerment, and sustainable practices, with examples drawn from Spain’s Basque Country and the Mondragón Corporation.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe a single empirical test or report specific measured outcomes. It presents a critical analysis and discussion of examples, and it notes that post-Brexit challenges are shaped by the disruption of governance arrangements and funding systems previously supported by EU Structural Funds.
Key points
- The paper argues that post-Brexit Britain needs more inclusive local development models.
- It critiques Growth Deals, the Levelling Up agenda, and Building Sustainable Prosperity as policy responses to regional inequality.
- The abstract says market-driven development has exacerbated social and economic inequalities.
- Community wealth building, social democracy, and cooperative models are presented as alternatives.
- Examples from Spain’s Basque Country and the Mondragón Corporation are used to illustrate these alternatives.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Post-Brexit local development needs more inclusive growth models
- Authors:
- M.C. Mccormack
- Institutions:
- Queen's University Belfast
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-17
- OpenAlex record:
- View
Get the weekly research newsletter
Stay current with scholarly research without reading academic papers — one filtered digest, every Friday.