Showing papers in "Regional Studies in 2003"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the basic facts about the regional economic performance, the composition of regional economies and the role of clusters in the US economy over period of 1990 to 2000.
Abstract: P ORTER M. E. (2003) The economic performance of regions, Reg. Studies 37 , 549-578. This paper examines the basic facts about the regional economic performance, the composition of regional economies and the role of clusters in the US economy over period of 1990 to 2000. The performance of regional economies varies markedly in terms of wage, wage growth, employment growth and patenting rate. Based on the distribution of economic activity across geography, we classify US industries into traded, local and resource-dependent. Traded industries account for only about one-third of employment but register much higher wages, far higher rates of innovation and influence local wages. We delineate clusters of traded industries using co-location patterns across US regions. The mix of clusters differs markedly across regions. The performance of regional economies is strongly influenced by the strength of local clusters and the vitality and plurality of innovation. Regional wage differences are dominated by the relati...
2,115 citations
TL;DR: A critical review of the literature on territorial innovation models (industrial districts, milieux innovateurs, new industrial spaces, local production systems, etc.) is presented in this article.
Abstract: MOULAERT F. and SEKIA F. (2003) Territorial innovation models: a critical survey, Reg. Studies 37 , 289-302. This paper provides a critical review of the literature on territorial innovation models (industrial districts, milieux innovateurs , new industrial spaces, local production systems, etc.). The review is organized in two stages. First, the main features of each of these models and their view of innovation are compared. Second, their theoretical building blocks are reconstructed and evaluated from the point of view of conceptual clarity and analytical coherence. It is found that despite some semantic unity among the concepts used (economies of agglomeration, endogenous development, systems of innovation, evolution and learning, network organization and governance), territorial innovation models (TIMs) suffer from conceptual ambiguity. The latter is mainly a consequence of the way territorial innovation is theorized, i.e. in terms of technologically driven innovation and a business culture that is ma...
1,253 citations
TL;DR: Cott et al. as mentioned in this paper argue that regions are an essential dimension of the development process, not just in the more advanced countries but also in less-developed parts of the world.
Abstract: S COTT A. J. and S TORPER M. (2003) Regions, globalization, development , Reg. Studies 37 , 579-593. Regional economies are synergy-laden systems of physical and relational assets, and intensifying globalization is making this situation more and not less the case. As such, regions are an essential dimension of the development process, not just in the more advanced countries but also in less- developed parts of the world. Development theorists have hitherto largely tended to overlook this critical issue in favour of an emphasis on macroeconomic considerations. At the same time, conventional theories of the relationship between urbanization and economic development have favoured the view that the former is simply an effect of the latter. To be fully general, the theory of development must incorporate the role of cities and regions as active and causal elements in the economic growth process. This argument has consequences for development policy, especially in regard to the promotion of positive agglomeratio...
1,039 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors summarized the literature on entrepreneurship from the perspective of geographical seedbed conditions and network constellations and concluded that a modern entrepreneur tends to become increasingly a creative network operator and manager.
Abstract: N IJKAMP P. (2003) Entrepreneurship in a modern network economy, Reg. Studies 37 , 395-405. In this survey paper the literature on entrepreneurship is summarized from the perspective of geographical seedbed conditions and network constellations. We argue that in many cases urban areas offer favourable incubator conditions for innovative entrepreneurship, as a result of economies of density and the opportunities created by the city as a nucleus of a broader network, both local and global. Clearly, network participation by creative entrepreneurs does not necessarily need an urban base, although informal spatial networks among specific business segments (e.g. ethnic niches) may be favourable for economic performance. We conclude that a modern entrepreneur tends to become increasingly a creative network operator and manager. N IJKAMP P. (2003) L'esprit d'entrepise dans une economie de reseau moderne, Reg. Studies 37 , 395-405. Cet article cherche a resumer la documentation sur l'esprit d'entreprise du point d...
343 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Derudder et al. used fuzzy classification analysis to define 22 urban arenas with their core and hybrid memberships, which are constituted by interweaving hierarchical and regional processes.
Abstract: DERUDDER B., TAYLOR P. J., WITLOX F. and C ATALANO G. (2003) Hierarchical tendencies and regional patterns in the world city network: a global urban analysis of 234 cities, Reg. Studies 37, 875–886. Previous explorations of the world city network have tended to focus on analyses of its upper ranks. Using a database on the global strategies of 100 financial and business firms across 234 cities, fuzzy classification analysis is used to define 22 urban arenas. With their " core' and "hybrid' memberships, these arenas are constituted by interweaving hierarchical and regional processes. The results include evaluations of the previously unassessed outer reaches of the world city network.D ERUDDER B., TAYLOR P. J., WITLOX F. et CATALANO G. (2003) Les tendances hierarchiques et les structures regionales du reseau de villes de taille mondiale: une analyse urbano-mondiale de 234 grandes villes, Reg. Studies 37, 875–886. Des etudes anterieures du reseau de villes de taille mondiale ont eu tendance a porter sur une a...
278 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined how individual labour market status and spatial variations in employment opportunities influence interregional job search behavior and mobility decisions in Sweden and found that accessibility to job openings in surrounding regions significantly increases the likelihood of choosing commuting as the mobility mode.
Abstract: ELIASSON K., LINDGREN U. and WESTERLUND O. (2003) Geographical labour mobility: migration or commuting?, Reg. Studies 37 , 827-837. In this paper, we examine how individual labour market status and spatial variations in employment opportunities influence interregional job search behaviour and mobility decisions in Sweden. The econometric analysis is based on 290,000 individual observations and refers to the years 1994-95. The empirical results show that the probability of interregional labour mobility unexpectedly decreases with the accessibility to employment opportunities in neighbouring regions. As expected, the findings reveal that accessibility to job openings in surrounding regions significantly increases the likelihood of choosing commuting as the mobility mode. Moreover, the empirical findings indicate that individual unemployment experience increases the likelihood of mobility as well as migration. ELIASSON K., LINDGREN U. et WESTERLUND O. (2003) La mobilite geographique du travail: la migration ...
218 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compare the levels of use by SMEs of external business advice and government support in the 1990s and show that only modest changes over time have occurred in aggregate use of external advice, and these are not statistically significant.
Abstract: BENNETT R. J. and ROBSON P. J. A. (2003) Changing use of external business advice and government supports by SMEs in the 1990s, Reg. Studies 37 , 795-811. This paper uses cross-sectional surveys of 1991 and 1997, a panel survey of firms surviving between 1991 and 1997 and comparison with a further cross-sectional survey in 1999, to compare the levels of use by SMEs of external business advice. The resource-based theory of the firm indicates that SMEs seek advice in order to increase their competitive capacity. Over time, increasing competition between SMEs is expected to lead to increasing use of advice. However, the paper demonstrates that only modest changes over time have occurred in aggregate use of external advice by SMEs, and these are not statistically significant. This suggests that earlier growth in external business advice services may now have plateaued. There are some significant changes of use by source (increasing for advertising, personnel and recruitment, new technology and computer servic...
151 citations
TL;DR: UblinSKI et al. as discussed by the authors analyzed what types of inter-firm linkages are stronger between geographically proximate firms compared to distant firms and found that geographic proximity is relevant and statistically significant for interfirm links that may lead to the following effects: labour market pooling; knowledge spillovers; demanding local customers; and trust-based effects.
Abstract: L UBLINSKI A. E. (2003) Does geographic proximity matter? Evidence from clustered and non-clustered aeronautic firms in Germany, Reg. Studies 37 , 453-467. This paper analyses what types of inter-firm linkages are stronger between geographically proximate firms compared to distant firms. It compares survey results of clustered and dispersed firms in the German aeronautic (supplying) industry. Results show that geographic proximity is relevant and statistically significant for inter-firm linkages that may lead to the following effects: labour market pooling; knowledge spillovers; demanding local customers; and trust-based effects. All in all, results suggest that if agglomerative advantages are at work they are, at best, operating weakly. However, the results of this case study are not sufficient to confirm or disprove the theoretical arguments of agglomeration advantages. L UBLINSKI A. E. (2003) La proximite geographique, est-elle importante?: des preuves provenant des entreprises aeronautiques regroupees...
147 citations
TL;DR: Alverde et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the relationship between financial market competition and economic growth in Spain and found that differences in competition are not associated with improved regional growth. But they also found that the relationship is due less to competition than to differing legal and cultural conditions which favour economic growth.
Abstract: C ARBo V ALVERDE S., H UMPHREY D. B. and R ODRiGUEZ F ERNaNDEZ F. (2003) Deregulation, bank competition and regional growth, Reg. Studies 37 , 227-237. Cross-country studies suggest that countries with greater financial sector competition have higher rates of economic growth. However, it is difficult to "hold constant' different legal and cultural environments in these analyses, leading some to suggest that this relationship is due less to competition than to differing legal and cultural conditions which favour economic growth. As these differences are small within a country, an interregional analysis may reflect better the relationship between financial market competition and growth. We study five large regions in Spain over 1986-98. Using different indicators of market competition, we analyse changes in regional competition and growth. Granger-causality tests show that differences in competition are not associated with improved regional growth. Although deregulation raised deposit rates and lowered loan...
141 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a critical assessment of the regional embeddedness of FDI in Wales and the North East of England, based upon an extensive survey of the early literature.
Abstract: PHELPS N. A., MACKINNON D., STONE I. and BRAIDFORD P. (2003) Embedding the multinationals? Institutions and the development of overseas manufacturing affiliates in Wales and North East England, Reg. Studies 37 , 27-40. The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) upon host regions is a topic of perennial interest within the fields of regional economics, industrial geography and regional development. Much of the early literature here draws negative conclusions regarding the wider indirect impacts of FDI on host regions, pointing to the branch plant syndrome. In light of significant processes of corporate restructuring and the build-up of host region institutional capacities, however, recent literature has claimed that the plants of multinational enterprises (MNEs) are becoming increasingly "embedded' in regional economies. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to provide a critical assessment of the regional "embeddedness' of FDI in Wales and the North East of England. Based upon an extensive survey of o...
138 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of labour market intermediaries in the speed and character of labor market adjustment and regional development has been investigated, with significant implications for regional development policy, using Silicon Valley as a case study and highlighting the role intermediaries play in reducing transactions costs, building networks and managing risk.
Abstract: B ENNER C. (2003) Labour flexibility and regional development: the role of labour market intermediaries, Reg. Studies 37 , 621-633. As contemporary labour markets have become more complex, volatile and unpredictable, labour market intermediaries (LMIs) have played an increasingly prominent role in shaping labour flexibility and regional development. Existing theories of regional development, however, do not adequately account for this prominent role. Using Silicon Valley as a case study, this paper contributes to developing a theory of intermediaries and regional development by highlighting the role LMIs play in three important labour market functions - reducing transactions costs, building networks and managing risk. In doing this, intermediaries play a critical role in shaping the speed and character of labour market adjustment, thus contributing directly to regional development, with significant implications for regional development policy. B ENNER C. (2003) La flexibilite du travail et l'ame nagement ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make a distinction between three interdependent types of footprints of ICTs in urban areas: access, content, and infrastructure, and describe and compare current urban ICT policies.
Abstract: V AN DER MEER A. and V AN WINDEN W. (2003) E-governance in cities: a comparison of urban information and communication technology policies, Reg. Studies 37 , 407-419. Throughout Europe, urban information and communication technology (ICT) policies are becoming more significant. Using examples from various cities, this paper describes and analyses the local manifestation and dynamics of the information society. In a conceptual framework, we make a distinction between three interdependent types of "footprints' of ICTs in urban areas: access, content, and infrastructure. For each of these dimensions, we describe and compare current urban ICT policies. We focus on the way local governments involve other urban actors in the design and implementation of ICT policies. Although cities feel the need to engage in new types of strategic partnerships, they are struggling to find appropriate partnership models. V AN DER MEER A. et V AN WINDEN W. (2003) Les systemes de gouvernement electroniques: une comparaison des po...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the increasingly important role of universities and national laboratories (knowledge institutions) as territorial actors and discuss the rules of the game which national innovation systems construct to institutionalize and normalize this role.
Abstract: LAWTON SMITH H. (2003) Knowledge organizations and local economic development: the cases of Oxford and Grenoble, Reg. Studies 37, 899– 909. In Europe, European Union and individual countries' knowledge institutions are expected to stimulate regional or local economic development. This paper explores the increasingly important role of universities and national laboratories (knowledge institutions) as territorial actors. It reports on a recently completed study in which surveys were conducted with academics in scientific departments and technology transfer units in Oxford and Grenoble's universities and national laboratories. It focuses on some of the rules of the game which national innovation systems construct to institutionalize and normalize this role. It compares similar and different outcomes of common priorities. LAWTON SMITH H. (2003) Des organisations basees sur la connaissance et le de veloppement economique local: etudes de cas d'Oxford et de Grenoble, Reg. Studies 37, 899–909. En Europe, les org...
TL;DR: O'Neill et al. as mentioned in this paper report a study of Northern Ireland's innovation performance in light of comparative data and through the lens of the regional innovation systems approach to analysis and strategy, showing that business expenditure on innovation inputs like R&D has risen, but that a long "tail" of innovation underachievers remains evident.
Abstract: C OOKE P., R OPER S. and W YLIE P. (2003) "The golden thread of innovation' and Northern Ireland's evolving regional innovation system, Reg. Studies 37 , 365-379. The title embodies the belief, expressed in 2000 by Northern Ireland's Economic Development Minister, Sir Reg Empey, that innovation is the "golden thread' that must run through its economy and policy for the hitherto troubled part of the UK to recover its historic economic dynamism. The paper reports a study of Northern Ireland's innovation performance in light of comparative data and through the lens of the regional innovation systems approach to analysis and strategy. It is shown that business expenditure on innovation inputs like R&D has risen, but that a long " tail' of innovation under-achievers remains evident. Three categories of firm are shown to be innovative and these are swiftly developing systemic interaction with a support infrastructure led by venture capital that is agile in meeting growth requirements of indigenous innovators, t...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make an argument for extending case-study methodologies in critical regional studies and argue that the field needs more, not less, of this kind of work.
Abstract: P ECK J. (2003) Fuzzy old world: a response to Markusen , Reg. Studies 37 , 729-740. Critical regional studies and economic geography have both taken "qualitative turns' over the past 15 years. The paper takes issue with the claim that this methodological shift has entailed declining standards of evidence, a proclivity for "fuzzy' theorizing, and a drift into policy irrelevance, making instead a positive argument for the further deepening of intensive, case-study approaches. This need not occur at the expense of quantitative research, because there is not a zero-sum competition in research methods. There should be continuing methodological pluralism, and intensive methods have a legitimate and important role to play. In this spirit, an argument is made for extending case-study methodologies in critical regional studies. The field needs more, not less, of this kind of work. There is no reason to believe that it will be any less rigorous or relevant as a result. P ECK J. (2003) Drole-confus: une reponse a M...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors extend the classic transportation problem to deal with regional jobs-housing imbalances and show that policies affecting the distribution of workers are more likely to decrease commuting.
Abstract: H ORNER M. W. and M URRAY A. T. (2003) A multi-objective approach to improving regional jobs-housing balance, Reg. Studies 37 , 135-146. Congestion is one of the most significant problems facing urban regions. It is well recognized that congestion is largely a by-product of the work commute, suggesting spatial imbalances in the locations of jobs relative to the location of housing. While jobs-housing imbalances persist in most urban areas, research indicates that associated commuting (and congestion) tends to be more than it need be. Addressing these issues, we extend the classic transportation problem to deal with regional jobs-housing imbalances. Application results are presented using journey-to- work data for the Atlanta metropolitan region. Several scenarios are evaluated, demonstrating the inherent flexibility of this modelling approach in addressing the long-term management of congestion. Our results show that policies affecting the distribution of workers are more likely to decrease commuting, as ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors test the extent to which domestic investment is stimulated or crowded out by inward foreign direct investment, based on standard models drawn from macroeconomics and industrial economics.
Abstract: DRIFFIELD N. and HUGHES D. (2003) Foreign and domestic investment: regional development or crowding out?, Reg. Studies 37 , 277-288. This paper tests, at the regional and industry level, the extent to which domestic investment is stimulated or crowded out by inward foreign direct investment. The paper develops a model of domestic investment, based on standard models drawn from macroeconomics and industrial economics. The paper then goes on to show that, at a general level, the "development' or agglomeration hypothesis is confirmed that domestic investment is indeed stimulated by inward investment. However, there is also evidence that, in certain regions, inward investment has crowded out domestic investment. The implications of this from the perspective of regional policy are briefly discussed. DRIFFIELD N. et HUGHES D. (2003) L'investissement direct e tranger et l'investissement interieur: une question d'ame nagement du territoire ou un effet d'evincement?, Reg. Studies 37 , 277-288. Cet article cherche ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider knowledge complexity and fungeability as two specific aspects of knowledge indivisibility and find that both of them are the cause of increasing returns in the generation of knowledge and the governance of the distribution of knowledge instead is affected by decreasing returns to the variety of elements of knowledge.
Abstract: A NTONELLI C. (2003) Knowledge complementarity and fungeability: implications for regional strategy, Reg. Studies 37 , 595-606. Complexity and fungeability are two specific aspects of knowledge indivisibility. Complexity matters when the production of new knowledge requires the combination of diverse and yet complementary bits of knowledge. Fungeability is found when some units of knowledge can apply in a variety of different contexts, different products and different processes. Both knowledge complexity and knowledge fungeability are the cause of increasing returns in the generation of knowledge. The governance of the distribution of knowledge instead is affected by decreasing returns to the variety of elements of knowledge. Exchanges in the markets for knowledge are limited by transaction costs. Internalization of different bits of knowledge is constrained by coordination costs. Firms can take advantage of knowledge complexity and fungeability by means of networking in regional space. A NTONELLI C. (200...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors determine the respective effects of spatial externalities (urban and industrial economies of agglomeration), specific internal characteristics (due to the organization of firms) and industrial spillovers (Due to national specialization) on the export behavior of firms.
Abstract: C HEVASSUS-LOZZA E. and G ALLIANO D. (2003) Local spillovers, firm organization and export behaviour: evidence from the French food industry, Reg. Studies 37 , 147-158. The objective of this paper is to determine the respective effects of spatial externalities (urban and industrial economies of agglomeration), specific internal characteristics (due to the organization of firms) and industrial spillovers (due to national specialization) on the export behaviour of firms. For this purpose, this econometric study, based on individual data of firms, distinguishes two aspects: firstly, the firms' decision to export or not; and, secondly its export performance. The first results confirm that the competitiveness of firms is not only due to the effect of national specialization, but also to firms specific advantages that are closely related to the characteristics of their spatial environment.
TL;DR: Illyams et al. as discussed by the authors evaluated the implications and legitimacy of the current UK government policy towards nurturing community involvement that seeks to encourage participation in community-based groups and neglects the cultivation of one-to-one acts of good neighbourliness.
Abstract: W ILLIAMS C. C. (2003) Developing community involvement: contrasting local and regional participatory cultures in Britain and their implications for policy, Reg. Studies 37 , 531-541. This paper evaluates critically the implications and legitimacy of the current UK government policy towards nurturing community involvement that seeks to encourage participation in community-based groups (formal community involvement) and neglects the cultivation of one-to-one acts of good neighbourliness (informal community involvement). Analysing data from the 2000 General Household Survey (GHS), this policy approach is shown to not only privilege the cultures of community participation of regions such as London and the South East as well as affluent wards but also to seek to impose it on northern regions and deprived wards that possess different cultures of community engagement. W ILLIAMS C. C. (2003) Developper un esprit communautaire: contraster les esprits communautaires local et regional en Grande-Bretagne et leurs re...
TL;DR: There have been considerable changes in approaches to the study of regions and regional uneven development in recent years as discussed by the authors, involving a greater reliance upon case studies, qualitative forms of evidence and analysis, and different concepts of theory.
Abstract: H UDSON R. (2003) Fuzzy concepts and sloppy thinking: reflections on recent developments in critical regional studies, Reg. Studies 37 , 741-746. There have been considerable changes in approaches to the study of regions and regional uneven development in recent years. Much of this has been associated with cultural and institutional "turns' in the social sciences, involving a greater reliance upon case studies, qualitative forms of evidence and analysis, and different concepts of theory. For Ann Markusen these developments are problematic, both in themselves and in their resultant increasing detachment from public policy. I have some sympathy with her critique but in some respects see it as misconceived. Not least this is because of its conflation of quantitative methods with a traditional conception of theory that sits oddly with her call for greater policy and political involvement. Such concerns are better served by the theoretical traditions and practices of critical theory and political economy. H UD...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors study commuting and moving decisions taken by workers in Catalonia (Spain) and the evolution of these decisions in the 1986-1996 period using a microdata sample from the 1991 Spanish Population Census, which indirectly addresses decisions involving home and job location.
Abstract: ROMANI J., SURINACH J. and ARTIS M. (2003) Are commuting and residential mobility decisions simultaneous?: the case of Catalonia, Spain, Reg. Studies 37 , 813-826. In this paper we study commuting and moving decisions taken by workers in Catalonia (Spain) and the evolution of these decisions in the 1986-1996 period. Using a microdata sample from the 1991 Spanish Population Census, we estimate a simultaneous, discrete choice model of commuting and moving, which indirectly addresses decisions involving home and job location. The econometric framework is a simultaneous, binary probit model with a commute equation and a move equation. ROMANI J., SURINACH J. et ARTIS M. (2003) La question des migrations quotidiennes, va-t-elle de pair avec la question de la mobilite?: etude de cas de la Catalogne, en Espagne, Reg. Studies 37 , 813-826. Cet article cherche a examiner la question des migrations quotidiennes et celle de la mobilite pour ce qui est des travailleurs de la Catalogne, en Espagne, et l'evolution de ce...
TL;DR: Ramada et al. as mentioned in this paper proposed that production subcontracting is a consistent yet relatively unexplored empirical measure of intradistrict connectedness, and that it varies uniformly in its nature and scope across district types.
Abstract: RAMA R., FERGUSON D. and MELERO A. (2003) Subcontracting networks in industrial districts: the electronics industries of Madrid , Reg. Studies 37 , 71- 88. With the recent introduction of industrial district typologies, the definition of "industrial district' has been extended beyond the classical "flexibly specialized' districts popularized in Italian case studies to include "hub- and-spoke' districts, technology districts and others. Few studies compare lesser known or emerging districts to these models. One difficult issue in the comparison of industrial districts has involved the insufficient identification and inconsistent measurement of interfirm connectedness and "networks'. In this paper, we propose that production subcontracting is a consistent yet relatively unexplored empirical measure of intradistrict connectedness, and that it varies uniformly in its nature and scope across district types. We present a model relating different types of industrial districts to particular subcontracting pattern...
TL;DR: This article used sub-regional data for Great Britain to identify spatial patterns of disparities and compared these patterns with those predicted by a theoretical model under a number of alternative hypotheses about the underlying cause of the disparities.
Abstract: R ICE P. and V ENABLES A. J. (2003) Equilibrium regional disparities: theory and British evidence, Reg. Studies 37 , 675-686. Regional inequalities in many countries, including the UK, are large and persistent. They show up in a number of economic variables, most of them endogenous, making it difficult for the researcher to identify the underlying causes of the disparities. This paper uses sub-regional data for Great Britain to identify spatial patterns of disparities. It then compares these patterns with those predicted by a theoretical model under a number of alternative hypotheses about the underlying cause of the disparities. The approach lays the groundwork for theory based econometric modelling of the causes of regional inequalities. R ICE P. et V ENABLES A. J. (2003) Desequilibres regionaux: la theorie et les preuves britanniques, Reg. Studies 37 , 675-686. Dans beaucoup de pays, y compris la Grande-Bretagne, les inegalites sont importantes et persistantes. Elles se manifestent a partir de nombreus...
TL;DR: In this article, Rodríguez et al. argue that European monetary policy may have more general regional effects, including in particular by producing a higher instability in the pattern of credit availability for some peripheral regions.
Abstract: RODRiGUEZ- FUENTES C. J. and DOW S. C. (2003) EMU and the regional impact of monetary policy, Reg. Studies 37, 969– 980. In this paper we focus on a topic which has been attracting renewed interest because of monetary unification in Europe: the regional dimension of national monetary policies. Most of the debate over the regional implications of the Euro has been developed within the Optimum Currency Area framework. According to this theory, European monetary policy would have regional effects when the countries of the Euro-zone had such structural differences as to produce asymmetric shocks. These asymmetrical effects could only be offset by labour mobility and wage/price flexibility. However, we argue here that, in addition, European monetary policy may have more general regional effects, including in particular by producing a higher instability in the pattern of credit availability for some peripheral regions. This latter possibility, and the forces underlying it, are explored here both at the theoreti...
TL;DR: This article found that the conditions which favour regional economic growth and give rise to locational advantage may not be sufficiently responsive to government policy to generate expected spin-off effects in the absence of a supporting manufacturing sector, or close proximity to customers.
Abstract: W ERNERHEIM C. M. and S HARPE C. A. (2003) "High order' "producer services in metropolitan Canada: how footloose are they?, Reg. Studies 37 , 469-490. This paper builds on the growing body of international research suggesting that the notion of engineering regional comparative advantage and economic growth by attracting "footloose' high order producer services is seriously flawed. Using Canadian metropolitan, provincial and national data for two disaggregated producer service industries we find that these industries are less footloose and provide less employment than is often believed. Our empirical analysis suggests that the conditions which favour regional economic growth and give rise to locational advantage may not be sufficiently responsive to government policy to generate expected spin-off effects in the absence of a supporting manufacturing sector, or close proximity to customers. The interaction between the industrial organization and the spatial characteristics of this group of service firms may ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared pre-project forecasts to post-project outcomes for one of the largest and most comprehensively planned megaprojects ever undertaken in Canada: the Northeast Coal Project (NECP).
Abstract: G UNTON T. (2003) Megaprojects and regional development: pathologies in project evaluation, Reg. Studies 37 , 505-519. Post-project assessments are essential for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of regional development planning. Unfortunately, assessments of projects involving private sector participants that compare pre-project forecasts to post-project outcomes are rare because the necessary data are usually not publicly available. This paper helps fill this void in the literature by completing an evaluation that compares pre-project forecasts to post-project outcomes for one of the largest and most comprehensively planned megaprojects ever undertaken in Canada: the Northeast Coal Project (NECP). The evaluation shows that instead of achieving the expected net benefit of Can$0.9 billion (2000 Canadian $), the NECP incurred a net loss of Can$2.8 billion. The project also generated less than one-half of expected regional employment and failed to mitigate structural problems in the regional econom...
TL;DR: Rakman et al. as discussed by the authors argued that the current mainstream economics and geography have largely developed separately, which had led to a situation in which economists and geographers analyse similar issues, but do so in a very different framework and without taking much notice of each other's work.
Abstract: B RAKMAN S. and G ARRETSEN H. (2003) Rethinking the "new' geographical economics, Reg. Studies 37 , 637-648. Mainstream economics and geography have largely developed separately. With some notable exceptions, this had led to a situation in which economists and geographers analyse similar issues, but do so in a very different framework and without taking much notice of each other's work. The main topic of this paper is to show that something might be gained once communication is improved. We illustrate this by means of a discussion of "new geographical economics' also known as the " new economic geography', to date the only mainstream theory in economics that takes the economics of location seriously. B RAKMAN S. et G ARRETSEN H. (2003) Repenser la "nouvelle' economie geographique, Reg. Studies 37 , 637-648. Dans une large mesure, les courants dominants de l'economie et de la geographie ont evolue separement. A quelques exceptions pres, cela a amene a la situation ou les economistes et les geographes analy...
TL;DR: The authors examines the emergence of information economy related activity through inward investment and the indigenous sector in one of Europe's most peripheral regions, Ireland's recent economic resurgence has benefited considerably from international corporate restructuring as US multinationals in particular reconfigured their operations within Europe's single market.
Abstract: GRIMES S. (2003) Ireland's emerging information economy: recent trends and future prospects, Reg. Studies 37 , 3-14. This paper examines the emergence of information economy related activity through inward investment and the indigenous sector in one of Europe's most peripheral regions. Ireland's recent economic resurgence has benefited considerably from international corporate restructuring as US multinationals in particular reconfigured their operations within Europe's single market. Despite the on-going concern about over-dependence on FDI, policy makers in Ireland seek to ensure that both skills and infrastructural requirements are adequately provided in order to solidify Ireland's attractiveness for investment while, at the same time, encouraging the growth of indigenous high technology companies. Although internationally traded services sectors such as software, financial services, telemarketing and shared services have expanded considerably in recent years, the overall level of regionalization of th...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the relationship between land use and accessibility through analysis of changing land use covers in the suburban areas of Greater Seattle over a period of 30 years and found a remarkably strong and consistent relationship between patterns of land use development and accessibility to high-class regional roads providing a strong confirmation of the bid- rent model on the micro sc...
Abstract: STANILOV K. (2003) Accessibility and land use: the case of suburban Seattle, 1960-1990, Reg. Studies 37 , 783-794. This paper explores the relationship between land use and accessibility through analysis of changing land use covers in the suburban areas of Greater Seattle over a period of 30 years. Two simple interpretations of accessibility are employed. Relative accessibility is used to investigate changes in suburban growth patterns relative to the distance to the metropolitan central business district while integral accessibility reflects the correlation between the pattern of distribution of land uses and the pattern of the regional transportation network. The first model points to a weakening of the impact of the metropolitan core on the distribution of suburban activities. The second model shows a remarkably strong and consistent relationship between patterns of land use development and accessibility to high-class regional roads providing a strong confirmation of the bid- rent model on the micro sc...