David Learmonth

Multi-sectoral Cluster Modelling: The Evaluation of Scottish Enterprise Cluster Policy

This article describes the ex post cluster evaluation framework being developed by Scottish Enterprise. It focuses primarily on the macro level evaluation and, in particular, on the use of multi-sectoral modelling techniques to identify the effects of cluster policy on key indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment and competitiveness. The Scottish Input-Output (I-O) table is a key element in this approach. The strengths and weaknesses of I-O data, both as a basis for this analysis and as a means of identifying important intra-cluster linkages are explored. Further, the article describes methods for visual representation of the linkages identified using such a method.

The impact of the Barnett formula on the Scottish economy: endogenous population and variable formula proportions

The Barnett formula is the official basis upon which increments to public funds are allocated to the devolved regions of the UK for those parts of the budget that are administered locally. There is considerable controversy surrounding the implications of its strict application for the relevant regions. The existing literature focuses primarily on the equity of the spatial changes to government per capita expenditure that would accompany such a change. In contrast, in this paper we attempt to quantify the system-wide economic consequences—the real, relative resource squeeze that accompanies the financial relative squeeze—on one devolved region, Scotland. The analysis uses a multisectoral regional computable general equilibrium modelling approach. We highlight the importance of population endogeneity, particularly since the population proportions used in the formula are now regularly updated.

Regional policy spillovers: the national impact of demand-side policy in an interregional model of the UK economy

UK regional policy has been advocated as a means of reducing regional disparities and stimulating national growth. However, there is limited understanding of the interregional and national effects of such a policy. This paper uses an interregional computable general equilibrium model to identify the national impact of a policy-induced regional demand shock under alternative labour market closures. Our simulation results suggest that regional policy operating solely on the demand side has significant national impacts. Furthermore, the effects on the nontarget region are particularly sensitive to the treatment of the regional labour market.

Synthesis and utilisation of6-aminotetrahydrobenzo[7]annulenes

7,8-Dichloro-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydrobenzo[ f ]quinolin-3-one 10 (R = H) is obtained by reaction of 5,6-dichloro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2(1H)-one pyrrolidine enamine 9 with acrylamide and is N-alkylated to 7,8-dichloro-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-4-propylbenzo[ f ]quinolin-3-one 10 (R = Prn). 6,7,8,9-Tetrahydro-2-methoxy-5H-benzo[7]annulen-6-one 5 (R = H) is converted to N,N-dipropyl(6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-2-methoxy-5H -benzo[7]annulen-6-yl)amine 8 and via the pyrrolidine enamine is reacted with acrylamide to give 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-9-methoxy-1H-benzo[3,4]cyclohepta[1,2- b]pyridin-3-one 11 (R = H) and 2,3,4,4a,5,6-hexahydro-8-methoxy-1H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2- b]pyridin-2-one 12 (R = H). Each of these is N-alkylated to give 11 (R = Prn) and 12 (R = Prn) which are reduced individually to 2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,11b-octahydro-9-methoxy-4-propyl-1H-benzo[3,4] cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridine 14 (X = Y = H) and 2,3,4,4a,5,6,11,11a-octahydro-8-methoxy-1-propyl-1H-benzo[5,6] cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridine 15 (X = Y = H) respectively. The hydroxyimino derivative 19 (R = H) of 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1,2-dimethoxy-5H-benzo[7]annulen-5-one 18 is methylated to give 19 (R = Me) which with ethyl lithiopropiolate yields ethyl 3-(6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-1,2-dimethoxy-6-methoxyimino-5H -benzo[7]annulen-5-yl)propiolate 20 which is catalytically reduced to 21. 6,7,8,9-Tetrahydro-1,2-dimethoxy-6-propionamido-5H-benzo[7] annulen-5-one 22 prepared from 19 (R = H) is reacted with sodium borohydride to give both cis- and trans-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-1,2-dimethoxy-6- propionamido-5H-benzo[7]annulen-5-ol 24 and 23 which are separately reduced by BH3–THF to cis- and trans-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-1,2-dimethoxy-6- propylamino-5H-benzo[7]annulen-5-ol 26 and 25. The latter is reacted with chloroacetyl chloride and thence in two steps gives trans-2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,11b-octahydro-8,9-dimethoxy-4- propylbenzo[6,7]cyclohept[1,2-b][1,4]oxazine 29.