The Covid-19 shock: the UK national and regional implications in the light of international evidence

Abstract

This chapter examines how the covid-19 shock impacts on different types of spatial productivity transmission mechanisms. The chapter reviews the worldwide evidence and analyses regarding how the short-term impacts of covid-19 are likely to impact on the medium and long-term spatial evolution of the economy. Questions regarding urban structure and scale, commuting patterns, institutional alignment, and the spatial distribution of activities and investment are all being raised and these also pose major challenges for medium and long-term policy responses. We examine the insights arising from different parts of the world and assess how short-term decisions may impact on longer-term development trajectories. The implications of these shocks and short-term responses on long-term economic development policy frameworks are also examined both internationally and in the specific context of the UK.