Global competition, Europe and Irish peripherality

Abstract

This paper challenges the assumption that European integration can reduce coreperiphery inequality within Europe. Global competition will force associated European firms and states to pursue strategies that impede regional equalisation. Particular attention is given to regional participation in "leading sectors" during future global expansions and how this will affect Irish employment. Integration will not significantly increase employment in US subsidiaries or indigenous firms, while it will decrease the probability of major investments in Ireland from the European core. In addition, European transfers used for training, infrastructure and technology programmes cannot be the basis for Ireland's transformation into a "core" European economy.