A discussion of the way local governments have undertaken public policies during the last decade, this book analyzes the implications of these policies for local autonomy and local government. The contributors focus on privatization, industrial policy, economic initiatives and radical politics in such countries as Britain, America, France and Scandinavia. This text aims to outline both the empirical and theoretical implications of these local government policies drawing on current discussions of recent autonomy, regulationist theory and flexible specialization. In each case the challenge posed to the resources and capacities of local governments in advanced industrial democracies is emphasized.