Enterprise Zones in the UK: Do they create or add value? A rejoinder

Abstract

In this Journal, Simon Wainwright concluded that it is difficult to understand the rationale for the Enterprise Zones created in 2011, since their main effect is likely to be to redistribute investment locally, rather than result in any net additional investment locally, regionally or nationally. This view is based on a considerable body of research evidence from Enterprise Zones created twenty years ago and is widely shared by informed researchers and business interests. This paper argues that the policy is best understood as a device for political marketing purposes rather than intended to solve any local or regional economic inequalities. Wherever the rationale for any urban policy appears slight or even lacking, from the perspective of the practitioner, it is likely to be understood best in terms of a political rationale. The concept of political marketing provides insights into how modern politicians can use urban policy to create brand narratives around ideological and action themes. The tendency of urban policies such as Enterprise Zones to proliferate is consistent with the creation of local ‘good news’ stories. The dominance of marketing in the practice of modern politics is likely to result in more urban policy driven by marketing considerations rather than genuine attempts to solve problems as perceived by regeneration practitioners.