THE Irish authorities should consider developing industrial villages, according to Dr David Jacobsen of Dublin City University. The move would boost both inward investment and employment.

In a new book on industrial economics, Dr Jacobsen and co-author Dr Bernadette Andreosso O'Callaghan of the University of Limerick, pointed to the success of industrial villages in Italy, Spain and Denmark. The villages provide a dynamic environment and enable different firms to act almost as one large company, Dr Jacobsen said.

The book, Industrial Economics and Organisation A European Perspective, was launched last night by the Minister for Enterprise and Employment.