Local economic strategy development under Regional Development Agencies and Local Enterprise Partnerships: Applying the lens of the multiple streams framework

Following the decision to abolish the Regional Development Agencies in England by the newly elected Coalition Government in 2010, Local Enterprise Partnerships were introduced to drive economic development at a local level. However, the limited government prescription as to both the form and function of Local Enterprise Partnerships has contributed to a fundamental ambiguity as to their roles and ‘legitimate spheres’ of activity. In the context of this ambiguity, this article uses Kingdon’s multiple streams framework to consider the challenges faced by Regional Development Agencies and Local Enterprise Partnerships in developing effective economic development strategies. With a focus on the East Midlands region of England, the article identifies the dimensions of strategic capability that Local Enterprise Partnerships must develop if they are to mature as effective agents of local economic development in England.