The aim of this paper is to explore a theoretical framework that can assist in under-standing the extent to which the increased integration of macro-regional economies (such as the European and North American) and the global economy is leading to divergence and/or convergence in the pattern of economic activity and the distribution of value-added and wealth. In particular, the paper focuses on the extent to which changing divisions of labour, the production, appropriation and allocation of value, and economic organization underpin these processes of convergence/divergence. We focus on developing an understanding of the changing divisions of labour across space in increasingly integrated macro-regional economies such as Europe and North America, and the (unequal) flows of value between places that underpin mosaics of territorial inequality. We argue that the production and flows of value associated with different forms of economic activities and commodity production and exchange in different localities provides a framework for understanding changing geographical divisions of labour. We also argue that a critical engagement with the range of work associated with analysing ‘commodity chains’ and ‘commodity networks’ provides a way into thinking about the (dis)organization of economic activity and value creation, appropriation and distribution. In particular, we argue that the focus on the commodity, while initially helpful, is misplaced because commodities embody and carry with them relations of value. Consequently, our attention should be focused on the organization of the production, appropriation and realization of value flows and the various forces that structure these processes, such as state governance, labour organization, corporate practices and so on, that are fundamental to understanding the (re)configuration of economic activity in macro-regional economies.

This article focuses on the responses of British trade unions to the arrival ofPolish workers since the 2004 enlargement of the European Union. It is argued that existing definitions and explanations of UK trade union engagement with migrant workers do not capture the strategies that have been used to engage with these migrant workers. We suggest that there have been two sets of responses. First, recruitment and organization activity has centred on inclusion and has been undertaken on new terrains using innovative strategies. Second, we point to the importance of new linkages locally, regionally, nationally and internationally in organizing these new labour market entrants.

HARDY J. (1998) Cathedrals in the desert? Transnationals, corporate strategy and locality in Wroc ^ aw, Reg. Studies 32, 639-652. This paper examines the relationship between the strategy and restructuring of transnational corporations, patterns of foreign direct investment and the transformation of the regions of East and Central Europe. Different views of the impact of foreign direct investment are interrogated by taking a case study approach which focuses on 12 significant brownfield and greenfield investments in the Wroc ^ aw region of Poland. The paper examines the relationship between their mode of entry and institutional engagement. Economic impacts are explored through looking at both the internal restructuring of firms and the wider linkages created in the local region. The paper concludes that, whilst the internal impact on individual firms has been marked, local linkages are not significant. Questions are raised about the effects of competition on indigenous firms. It is suggested that FDI has created 'cathedrals in the desert'. The paper argues that, rather than creating core or dynamic regions, FDI simply produces regions that contain a larger than average number of firms which have been made competitive. HARDY J. (1998) Des oasis dans le desert? Les societes transnationales, la strategie des societes et la localisation dans la region de Wroc ^ aw, Reg. Studies 32, 639-652. Cet article examine le rapport entre la strategie et la restructuration des societes transnationales, la distribution de l'investissement direct etranger et la transformation des regions de l'Europe centrale. A partir d'une etude de cas qui porte sur dix projets etablis dans les zones friches et sur les terrains vierges dans la region de Wroc ^ aw en Pologne, on etudie divers points de vue quant al'impact de l'investissement direct etranger. Cet article examine le rapport entre leur strategie d'implantation et le partenariat institutionnel. On examine les retombees economiques en considerant a la fois la restructuration interne des entreprises et les liens externes crees au sein de la region. Pour conclure l'article affirme que malgre l'importance de l'impact interne sur des entreprises individuelles, les liens locaux s'averent moins marques. On pose des questions concernant l'impact de la concurrence sur les entreprises autochtones. On laisse supposer que l'investissement direct etranger a creedes "oasis dans le desert". L'article soutient que, plutot que de creer des regions centrales ou dynamiques, l'investissement direct etranger n'etabit que des regions qui comprennent un parc d'entreprises competitives qui depasse la moyenne. HARDY J. (1998) Kathedralen in der Wuste? Ubernationale Organisationen, Korporative Taktik und Ortsgegend in Wroc ^ aw, Reg. Studies 32, 639-652. Dieser Aufsatz untersucht die Beziehung zwischen der Taktik und Umstrukturierung ubernationaler Korperschaften, Muster auslandischer Direktinvestitionen und der Transformation der Regionen Mitteleuropas. Es wird verschiedenen Ansichten uber die Auswirkung ausl...

This article compares trade union strategies towards migrant workers from the ‘new Europe’. The analysis focuses on three sectors in the UK, Norway and Germany. We conclude that trade union responses to these migrant workers are shaped by the complex interplay of national industrial relations systems, sectoral dynamics, EU regulation and the agency of individual trade unions.

This article elaborates a theory of combined and uneven development that takes the dimensions of spatiality, labour and institutions seriously. Drawing on this conceptual framework, an account is given of the way the 2007–2008 crisis was inflected in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The integration of these countries with the global economy has taken place in different ways through trade, investment and finance. This has not only been a source of unevenness within and between them, but has also determined the form and severity with which they have experienced the crisis. The combined and uneven development perspective is therefore able to provide a rich and more dynamic account of economic development and the transmission of the crisis. Further, rather than labour being treated as one among many institutions, it is privileged in its potential role of instigating deep social change.