[Introduction ...] Overall, this report is structured as follows: the next chapter (2) briefly outlines the relevance of regional trade indicators for determining the competitiveness of a region. In chapter 3, the methodology for the calculation of regional trade performance indicators is introduced, and the elementary results are described. Chapter 4 presents an econometric analysis relating key regional characteristics to international success of local industries. Based upon the regional distribution of comparative advantages, chapter 5 reports the results of ten regional case studies. Finally, chapter 6 summarises the results and provides policy implications.

Prepared for: European Commission - Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME)