A critical review of the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy : lessons for ‘place-based’ policy
批判性评述英国2025年《现代产业战略》白皮书，分析其核心主题是否真正实现“地方导向”，指出在高度集权经济下设计地方政策的挑战，并提出改进建议。
The paper explores the implications for regional development contained within the UK’s recently launched Modern Industrial Strategy White Paper (2025). We critically examine the industrial strategy's core themes (sectors, business environment (investment, skills, innovation), place, partnerships and institutions) and consider the extent to which the strategy matches its claim to be ‘place-based’. By identifying weaknesses in the strategy, we highlight the challenges in designing a ‘place-based’ strategy within a highly centralised economy, with underpowered, fragmented regional governance structures. We offer policy suggestions to facilitate a more coordinated, holistic UK industrial strategy framework, while contributing to international debates on place-based policy more broadly.