Problems of Structural Adaptation in Old Industrial Areas: A Factor-Analytical Approach

In: Environment and planning. A, Volume 17, Issue 8, p. 1127-1139

Abstract

The paper is an exploration of the specific character of the so-called 'old industrial areas' within Austria. The starting point is the question of how to account for the changing fortunes of this type of region; they are interpreted as being in the final stage of their regional 'life cycle'. By applying factor-analytical methods to differentiate the Austrian regional structure, it can be shown that there are distinctive differences in supply-side characteristics between regions. Centering on the analysis of old industrial districts, the findings confirm that these areas represent a special type of region; they can be described by a combination of variables which is common to them and not to other regions. The resulting combination of variables supports the hypothesis, based on aspects of the various regional growth theories, that the poor performance of old industrial areas stems from a lack of competitiveness and an inadequate flexibility in adjustment to change.