Devolution as process: institutional structures, state personnel and transport policy in the United Kingdom

MacKinnon, D., Shaw, J. and Docherty, I. (2010) Devolution as process: institutional structures, state personnel and transport policy in the United Kingdom. Space and Polity, 14(3), pp. 271-287. (doi: 10.1080/13562576.2010.532965)

Abstract

Devolution has been described as a key ‘global trend’ over recent decades as governments have decentralised power and responsibilities to subordinate regional institutions (Rodriguez-Pose and Gill, 2003). UK devolution is characterised by its asymmetrical nature with different territories granted different institutional arrangements and powers. In this paper, we seek examine the role of state personnel in mobilising the new institutional machinery and managing the process of devolution, focusing on transport policy. Our research shows a clear contrast between London and Northern Ireland, on the one hand, and Scotland and Wales, on the other, in terms of the effectiveness of political leaders in creating clear policy priorities and momentum in transport.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Devolution, state restructuring, state personnel, strategic-relational approach, filling in.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Docherty, Professor Iain and MacKinnon, Dr Daniel
• Authors: MacKinnon, D., Shaw, J., and Docherty, I.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: Space and Polity
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 1356-2576
• ISSN (Online): 1470-1235
• Published Online: 23 November 2010
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2010 Routledge
• First Published: First published in Space and Polity 14(3):271-287
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher