Partnerships, networking and macro-regional dimensions to addressing the crisis

The regions of the Nordic and Celtic countries have been leaders for many years in the development of innovative and institutional approaches to sustainable economic development. While each region and nation across Europe is experiencing its own form of crisis and austerity package during the current period, there are the possibilities for international networks and cooperations to provide the forum for learning and collaborating. This paper will report on and explore how the economies and structures in northern Europe have performed during this period. It will then discuss whether the context of the proposed North Sea macro-region has facilitated sharing and dialogue on solutions to such developmental issues. It will examine how institutions such as the regional development agencies and European Partnerships have been involved and responded to the crises in these environments and how these contrast with the roles and experiences in those territories with less well developed institutional landscapes. It is expected that tentative conclusions will be possible for recommending strategic approaches to regenerating regional economies according within the context of Europe 2020.